Starting an Aero Club

[Old Koreelah]

Does anyone on this forum have any advice for a bunch of aviators trying to set up an Aero Club?

 

A model constitution. Fee structure, incorporation, insurance and dealing with local government. How to keep it simple but viable. Maximising the fun, minimising the politics. All suggestions welcome.

 

 

[djpacro]

Start here http://www.asic.gov.au/asic/asic.nsf/byheadline/Registering+not-for-profit+or+charitable+organisations

 

 

[djpacro]

Then Ausport has some good guidelines for governance at http://www.ausport.gov.au/supporting/clubs/governance

 

 

[djpacro]

Maybe have a talk to http://www.rfaca.com.au/

 

 

[68volksy]

Starting off with an incorporated association is by far the easiest. Looks like you're in NSW so it's simply a matter of getting a copy of the "Model Rules" from that you can simply adopt as part of the registration process. If there's anything in the model rules you'd like to change then you can do so before registration. I'd highly recommend reducing the number of meetings and committee members in the model rules - there's nothing stopping you having more if you want to but if things dwindle for a while it's a lot easier for the enthusiastic few that are left to maintain. It's all very simple from then on. In NSW a Club has to hold an AGM every year is about the only requirement you can't change. The easiest way to keep the politics out is to limit membership as much as possible. If there are a few regulars who are looking to do this for their own enjoyment then make it hard for others to join. You could even create a non-voting membership class outside of the constitution if need be. I know this sounds counter-intuitive but from experience there are a lot of people out there who can get a bee in their bonnet over something and utterly destroy the fun for others. Having a clear outline of the purpose of the club might help with these things also.

 

Model rules are here:

 

http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/Cooperatives_and_associations/Incorporating_an_association/About_the_constitution/Model_constitution.html

 

Westpac have a fee-free account for not-for-profit clubs although you may have to push them to let you sign up for it.

 

 

[Yenn]

In Qld to be incorporated you have to have insurance, plus you have to have your books audited if your annual turnover is over a certain figure. I can't remember that figure. The insurance and auditing are not cheap. The main reason for being incorporated is the perception that office bearers cannot be sued individually.

 

If by flying club you mean a group of people who fly their own aircraft, plus a few wannabees, then I would suggest that you wouldn't need to be incorporated. once you as a group, own property or equipment incorporation may be the way to go.

 

Our group at Rodds Bay is not incorporated, but we do have a levy to cover maintenance costs for the airstrip and donga, water tank etc. The airstrip owner levies us individually for his insurance and other costs and of course we have to be responsible for our own insurance for the planes etc. We don't have a written constitution, but we all agree that decisions made are approved by the majority. It seems to work OK.

 

 

[68volksy]

No need for insurance in NSW - Club can maintain it if they want to but unless you have lots of visitors the most you stand to lose is the money in the bank if someone sues. No need for audit in NSW either unless turnover greater than $250,000. Just need to lodge an annual "statement of affairs" with a simple profit and loss and balance sheet with the Department.