AMC Virtual Meeting
With FlightSafety International Director Keith McGann at the helm as Acting Chair of RACCA’s 15-member Associate Member Council, the group met virtually to discuss the Spring Conference and make recommendations for issues to be brought to the attention of the board of directors at its October 22 Zoom meeting. McGann is filling in for the late Terry Hibler until a new chair can be elected at the spring meeting.
“Cargo has been one of the few bright spots,” RACCA President Stan Bernstein reported. “All our members are operating at close to capacity. There was a conference call recently to discuss Covid vaccine distribution which could start as early as this month. A number of our members will be involved. Unfortunately, the distribution will coincide with the Christmas rush which will put additional strain on our carriers.”
With the help of Bernstein, the two briefed the council on the planned April 20-22, 2021 RACCA Spring Conference, saying it is scheduled for the Scottsdale Hilton Resorts and Villas and hotel registration will be available on December 15. The hotel has agreed to maintain the $179 room rate set for the 2020 conference.
The hotel, they reported, has completely renovated its rooms and, to the pleasure of many AMC members, has installed a more robust WiFi system. The program remains much the same as this year’s cancelled meeting with maintenance and operational programs and an aircraft static show possibly featuring the new SkyCourier prototype. The display is scheduled for Scottsdale Airport with SkyQuest International President and Founder Greg Melang coordinating the effort as well as transport to/from the hotel. The formal opening of the display will replace a post-lunch breakout session to ensure everyone has the opportunity to go. Otherwise viewing will be appointment during the conference.
RACCA is continuing to work with the Aviation Technical Education Council on speaking at the conference, as they were scheduled to do this year.
To ease congestion during on-site registration, that registration will rise to $299 to encourage pre-registration at $259. Most sponsorships are taken but a few remain with Stan as the point person. RACCA is also looking for newsletter sponsors at $250 per issue. Table-top costs are up $25 to $675 to reflect the higher demand RACCA has experienced as well as to recognize the loss of revenue during 2020.
The Golf and Queen Creek tours have been rescheduled for spring conference. In addition, the scholarship fund is doing well with four scholarships at $2500 each to be awarded. Stan recognized Training Boom for its generous $5000 donation. |