Big Problems Reported With Pioneering Ultralight Group
The
organizational nightmare that seemed to have started with the
dismissal of USUA Founder John Ballantyne (last May) seems to be
continuing. The US Ultralight Association, which recently hosted
their annual business meeting, is reported to be in financial
disarray, and is dealing with a number of Board resignations, more
firings and a lot of confusion.
For the moment; this is what we know to have happened... Two
highly regarded USUA staffers have been dismissed. USUA's John
Ballantyne was fired last May, Tom Gunnarson was fired last
Sunday.
Three board members have resigned with little or NO prior
notice... Board Chairman Al Carpenter, Rich Pendergist, and Scott
Severen.
Carpenter reportedly threw in the towel just before the annual
meeting... after reports that he was to be confronted by a number
of angry members, "with a lot of questions."
A replacement Chairman, Lew Clement, appointed
shortly before the meeting and went on to direct it... to mixed
reviews.
USUA's Regional Representatives were reportedly none too pleased
(and are expressing this displeasure publicly). One rep, Dr. Tony
Romanazzi, resigned in protest, while Clement's position
which is supposed to be an elected position was replaced by
appointment.
So... who's minding the store at USUA's new (and less costly)
headquarters in Frederick, MD? For the moment, that responsibility
seems to have been thrust upon a fellow by the name of Rich
Pendergist, which will (part-time), take over Gunnarson's role as
Chief of Operations. Remaining Directors include Lew Clement as
Board Chairman, Arty Trost, Art Greenfield (NAA Rep), and Reggie
DeLoach. A number of Regional Rep positions had recently been
filled by appointment, temporarily, but these interim appointments
are expected to be "fluid."
Obviously; there's been a bit of a bloodbath and
what was once the most effective voice of the ultralight movement
has been pretty much muffled by internal politics and a reported
case of severe micro-management of HQ staff by Board members.
Worse; this has happened at a time of great transition for the
light sport and ultralight aircraft movement... so the loss of
effectiveness in this organization may turn out to have critical
consequences for the sport aviation industry. We'll keep you
apprised as to how this all works out.