DIRECT CLUBS: playing an active part in your local area

You have all seen the various attacks on aviation, and it is important for every club to respond to these currents of opinion. “Aviation bashing” is something to take into account, and the most effective response is to be well accepted in your area. Integration in your geographical area is a point not to be underestimated. The frequent attacks by certain municipalities and towns should make us keep a close eye on this problem.

Examples of actions to take

There are several inexpensive ways to build a positive image with elected officials and also with local residents.

• Give town halls a telephone number so that they can contact you immediately in the event of a nuisance. In that case, the most important thing is to respond quickly to the problem raised. This will show your willingness to meet their expectations.
• At your General Assemblies or events (open days, activities, competitions, etc.), always invite the elected officials of the surrounding municipalities and give them time to speak.
• Organise a Christmas party or an Easter egg drop (a kind of egg hunt) to which children from the surrounding municipalities are invited.
• Organise a “local residents’ day”. It will let the neighbourhood come and discover what your club does, but above all it will let them get to know you and talk with you.
• Offer youth training to interested young people from the surrounding municipalities (just a few, but it builds a bond with the local population). To fund this, you can use the 4/4 rule:
  • 1/4 from the family
  • 1/4 from the municipality
  • 1/4 from the club (including federal or even regional support. You can also put together an ANS application, under the heading of youth and rural integration)
  • 1/4 from private partners (shops, businesses, charities such as Rotary, etc.)

Yes, young people want to fly microlights! © T.Variot

Spreading the word about your actions

Communication also needs to be considered. Every action should be promoted in the local media. It is important to use keywords.

• Green aviation (low consumption, electric models, etc.)
• Aviation laboratory (parachute, innovation, etc.)
• Biodiversity (our strips are recognised biodiversity sites and the Federation has signed partnerships to that end)

By setting up or continuing these kinds of actions (which are not exhaustive), you will give a positive and open image of your club and be able to enjoy your activity more peacefully.

At events organised in your club, invite local elected officials! © FFPLUM

Georges HUMEAU

Club Life Division

ghumeau@ffplum.org