[Members] Fwd: Question about how LSPC runs the DZ

[Chris Beran]

This is a very interesting email that I received today....An all
to familiar story. I am not in a position to respond but I think that it
would be great for someone to do it. It would be interesting to collaborate
with other similar DZs. Nice to know that these are common issues.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: *Jason Warren* <jason.warren.mba at gmail.com>
Date: Sunday, February 1, 2015
Subject: Question about how LSPC runs the DZ
To: admin at skydivelspc.com


Hi Folks,



I belong to a DZ in Canada, Skydive South Saskatchewan  (
www.skydivesouthsask.com).  Yesterday, we had our Annual General Meeting,
and topics were raised.  One of those is how we are currently running our
operations.



We have been having significant growth over the past 5 or 6 years.  As
such, the dynamics have changed.  Where we once had a “Pay it Forward”
attitude, to some, we have seen a “What’s best for me” attitude.  As such,
there has been some challenges, especially on how we can continue to
survive through this.  We are hopeful, as we have been around for more than
30 years.



One of the challenges has been our jump prices.  We have just raised our
price, but still, to some the question becomes: why should people who are
not contributing to the club continue to get cheap jump tickets?  Right now
we charge about 80% of the actual cost for jump tickets.  We supplement the
jump prices by doing tandems and IAD’s (Instructor Assisted Deployment aka
Static Line with no static line).  Yes, we do a lot of tandems to get
this.  We are also a non-profit, so other than putting aside some money for
future capital upgrades, we spend it all.



Another issue that we have been having is how to encourage people to take
up skydiving.  The issue with tandems is that it does not encourage people
to stick in the sport.  We have started offering a PFF/AFF for those who
need that “I need to get it all done now” attitude.  With that being said,
the vast majority of our training of skydivers is through the IAD
program.   We have been encouraging people to take on instructional roles,
but in all reality, we have not had any new instructors for about 4 years.
Those of us who have been around for a while are well… getting burnt out.



I am contacting LSPC as well, you have a great reputation.  I also believe
that it is a great idea to reach out, and learn from others’ experiences.
Any advice you could provide would be great.  If you have anything in your
bylaws/constitution that you would be able to share would be appreciated.
I have also contacted Tom, over at Des Moines to ask for their advice as
well.



Thanks in advance!



Jason Warren



-- 
Chris Beran
Business/Marketing Manager
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