ORA: Pilots Wanted! And other help!

[baldeagle]

From the Kingston Daily Freeman, April 23, 2009:

Mid Hudson Central | Special Sections | Discover Red Hook | Page 13

Advertising in the local paper for airshow pilots, that seems like a bright idea. I wonder who came up with that. Don't expect to get paid though, it says "volunteer".

Also need aircraft and auto mechanics, grounds keepers, aircraft handlers, gift shop, administrative help, and a host of other needs.

They must be so glad now that they drove off all of those talented, loyal people who used to do those things, so easy to replace. Not.

Advertising for airshow pilots in the local paper.

The article also says that the airshow is "spectacular", where have I heard that before? I guess a few times a year it might be something like that, if enough pilots decide to show up, and enough airplanes are in working order. Otherwise-- last year's model meet weekend.... nuff said.

So I'm going to help them out and spread the word about how desperate they are. You're welcome guys!

[tazbat]

I remember two years ago, how one of the new trustees was bragging about all the pilots they had and how many planes would be in the air, etc., etc..

It didn't take long for that to change. Disappointingly, all the pilots never materialized and the number of flying machines in a show didn't occur. Over the years, since 2003, there have been many brags about how ORA was going to be bigger and better than in the days of Cole. What can be witnessed at the Aerodrome is the proof that the current management can't do it without properly trained personnel. Even though the volunteers have poured their hearts into the tasks since then, it isn't enough. Key people haven't been mentored by experienced people in the fields of museum management, collection maintenance, historical reenactment, building and grounds keeping, retail management, public relations, facility security, as well as other seemingly insignifcant duties.

Nuf said for the moment. Company showed up and I've gotta go.

Salute!

[The PIPE]

Dear Baldeagle & Tazbat:

The PIPE here once again...laid off from work since September 2008...and when I noticed THIS thread, about how the "management" is only NOW advertising for "help" at ORA...

...I HAD to convey this development to my fellow RC flying colleagues, and at

Old Rhienbeck Aerodrome: Sad News

..."it's there", as my latest post in the "ORA Sad News" thread at RCU, originating from way back in July of 2004.

Well, NOW the RC modelers know about it...and I'm hoping BOTH...to get back to WORK myself, before too much longer...

...and see The Old Guard come BACK to ORA to get things running again, the way Cole would have wanted!

Yours Sincerely,

The PIPE!

[tazbat]

The number of people that the management is advertising for is a whole crew. Who is going to mentor and train these individuals? (But of course, I forgot... these are volunteer positions and anyone is supposed to be able to do them, just by volunteering. Volunteering makes one auto-qualified.)

Just think of all the souvenir hunters this type of advertising will attract. Remember the Indian 4 motorcycle and the stolen magneto? It will be so easy for any thief to come in, have unlimited access to the collections and take things even when others are looking on. Newbies don't know what's right and wrong in a case like this, so any inexperienced, legitimate volunteer can witness a theft and think it is normal work activities. Since most of Coles collection is in the realm of rare pieces, a thief wouldn't have problems fencing pieces of it.

Remember... the man caught at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island. He had been working there for years, all the while stealing pieces and parts; a trusted worker. This kind of scum lurks everywhere, waiting for the opportune time to profit at the museum's loss.

This can also be an opportune time for unscrupulous collectors to send someone in to pick up select antique parts, engines, etc., for them. Unfortunately, this has occurred at ORA in the past and on several occasions. Often this activity can be masked as legitimate trades or de-accessionings.

Say the trustees are able to prevent thefts, what will protect the collection pieces from damage due to ignorance. There was the time the 1920 Buick was fitted with an electric fuel pump; pouring raw fuel in the engine compartment and on the ground. And the time the 1919 Model T Speedster was nearly set afire when someone installed a 12 volt battery instead of a six volt and the resistor that was supposed to step the voltage down overheated and charred the wooden firewall.

What will prevent similar things as those above from reoccurring?

Me thinks there is mischief afoot!

Salute!

[crankcase]

I thought there was a pending action in court to relieve the management of their duties. Is this not further evidence that the place is being poorly managed? What kind of ground crew support would a visiting pilot hope to get?
marc