Revised summary of 2025 Bylaws proposed changes
Bret Hess
After some feedback by members of what needs clarification, here is a revised summary. The only change in the proposed bylaws language has been to tweak the description of who must be in the cockpit with a Limited member. Summary of proposed bylaws changes
1. More limitations on Limited members
Limited membership enables the rental of club gliders without paying the initiation fee. This category allows us to continue to aid glider pilots who only need a flight review or need some instruction to get current or become familiar with local flying areas and techniques. But we don’t want them flying independently. We propose that Limited pilots must fly always with a club instructor when they rent the glider. They can also fly with a Full or Associate member who is responsible for the glider and flight. See more information on Limited members. They must now carry insurance.
2. Change Introductory membership because FAST program no longer exists
Introductory members (90 days for those trying soaring instruction for the first time) will now be approved by the board rather than by club instructors. They must now carry insurance.
3. Require non-owned aircraft insurance for those who are less invested in the club
Those required to have this insurance are not subject the damage amount discussed in 4).These will be recent members (those who have not paid at least 5 full seasons of Full or Associate dues) and limited members who are not club instructors. Introductory members are of course recent members. We call this “initiate insurance”. The board sets the hull coverage required, and this year we are planning on $40,000. For those who want an alternative to paying for a full year policy, we have found companies that will offer this insurance month-to-month insurance at a reasonable cost (less than $200 per month).
4. Allow the board to determine the glider damage assessment limit for fully invested members (those not in 3):
The damage assessment limit for fully invested members is currently $5000. That number is part of the bylaws, and it makes it hard for the board to adjust it for inflation or other reasons. The board will decide this number annually. Because we want to heighten a feeling of greater responsibility for the care of our gliders, we are planning it to be $10000 this year.
5. Allow the board to assess the full amount of glider damage to members whose violation of the FORs directly contributed to the damage (for example XC flight without being fully checked out for it).
6. Discontinue the sale of damage waivers
The possible damage assessments for all member categories will be covered by changes above.
Below is the revised bylaws language with the red indicating areas of change. You can also see the text that was removed. The wording may change before the vote but we will publish any changes
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Article Two — MembershipSection 2
Membership. The Board of Directors shall establish an application process for members. New members of any class except Introductory and Affiliate shall be admitted to the Association upon the affirmative vote of at least four members of the Board of Directors. Affiliate members, without flying privileges, may be admitted upon receipt of an application. All Full, Associate, Limited, and Family must also be current members of the Soaring Society of America in good standing. Honorary Members must also be members of the Soaring Society of America in order to have flying privileges.
Section 6
Limited Members. Use of Association gliders by Limited Members shall be limited to one checkout or flight review annually (approx. one hour) and any additional use shall be paid for at an hourly rate established by the Board of Directors. A club instructor must be present in the aircraft during all operations initiated by a Limited member. A Limited member may also fly with a Full or Associate member who will be responsible for the flight and glider. The Board of Directors may establish rules regarding availability and scheduling of glider usage for Limited Members. Unrestricted or fee-based usage of other club services (e.g., oxygen fills for personal gliders) shall be determined by the Board of Directors. Limited Members shall pay dues as determined by the Board of Directors. Limited Members shall not have voting rights, the right to hold office, or participate in dissolution of the Association.
Section 7
Introductory Members. Those who want to try soaring instruction for the first time may apply for Introductory membership. If approved by the Board they are granted Introductory membership for 90 days from the time of the first flight with an instructor. They may schedule instruction flights under the same reservation limitations and usage rates as a Limited member. They will carry Initiate insurance (see 16.6) and SSA membership.
Article Sixteen — FinancesSection 6The Corporation will carry adequate hull insurance on all Association aircraft against ground and flight damage or the Board shall establish an insurance fund and funding plan to address possible costs associated with loss or damage to equipment. The Corporation will carry adequate liability insurance to protect the Association and its members against suit by third parties or another member of the Association. The Board of Directors may require any member(s) to carry insurance to cover damage to Association property, and may obtain other insurance as deemed prudent or necessary. Initiate insurance. Members required to carry non-owned aircraft insurance (as described here) while handling or operating Association gliders: 1) Introductory members, 2) Limited members who are not club instructors and 3) those Associate or Full members who have not yet paid at least 5 years of full-season Associate or Full member dues. The policy can be month-to-month. The policy will name the Association as additional insured in the event Association gliders are damaged by any activity of the member. The board determines the amount of required coverage each season and checks compliance before these members handle or operate Association gliders.
Damage assessments. Any member(s) engaged in any activity that damages Association property shall be assessed (jointly) as below, unless the Board votes to reduce the assessment or exempt a participant from an assessment. Mitigating factors such as mechanical failure from cumulative wear may be considered. Volunteer work of the member or the member’s financial situation shall not be considered. If violation to the intent of a Flight Operating Rule contributed to damage, those members may be (jointly) assessed up to the full value of the property. Otherwise: i) members required to hold initiate insurance may be assessed up to the required initiate coverage amount; ii) other member(s) shall be assessed (jointly) the lesser of (1) $ an amount determined annually by the board or (2) the costs associated with the damage including, but not limited to, repairs and transportation, as determined by the Board of Directors. The member shall pay in full no later than 60 days after the assessment, after which 1.5% monthly interest will accrue.