Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 11-26-2015 at 01:43.
"Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."
Looks good on you Chris.
Rob.
"Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."
Can't make out the extra bolt-on machine guns, though...............
Chris, congratulations for the promotion. Well deserved. Salute.
Rob, wonderful record Sir. Salute.
Thanks Reg
Never Knowingly Undergunned !!
Hmmm... So, about this Group Captain thing. Interesting Idea.
If we went with the WWII Air Defense Groups (Groups 10 to 13), and made them Wings (for now), we could do a UK Group Captain, with supporting Area # Wing Commanders, then down to Sqn Leaders in certain areas. Some locations have a lot of members, so the overhead on Sqn Leaders is a bit much, and more so for the area commanders.
Just saying. Not trying to tell anyone how to run their organizations.
I just looked through the UK Sqn Rosta to see what banners I could anticipate, and how many generic location banners might be needed. Lots of people in the "Wing"!
Soon to be UK Group? :
Mike
"Flying is learning to throw yourself at the ground and miss" Douglas Adams
"Wings of Glory won't skin your elbows and knees while practicing." OldGuy59
Lots of members on paper Mike.
Many of them are just lurkers, and not posters.
Rob.
"Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."
I'm curious just how many Aerodrome members we have. Is this shown anywhere?
Scroll to the bottom of the forum page Peter
Sapiens qui vigilat "He is wise who watches"
Thanks Flash, I never saw that!
My deepest congratulations to Cpt. Hedeby. Well deserved!
Rob! You are becoming an even bigger legend than before.
I'm, unfortunately, familiar with that. There are lots of names registered as Canadian, and only Darell and I seem to post anything on this forum.
I did note that a lot of UK Flight Leaders don't have Gold Memberships. Saves me a lot of work.
Perhaps an intermediate Gold/Silver Membership, with a Banner option for individuals with positions?
Mike
"Flying is learning to throw yourself at the ground and miss" Douglas Adams
"Wings of Glory won't skin your elbows and knees while practicing." OldGuy59
I'm sure I have seen some more activity from Canada since becoming a Member however the outstanding posts do tend to come from you two. To go back to the UK Wing to Group idea where a very similar situation exists regarding the ratio of Posters:Lurkers the creation of new Command Structure openings would serve as an aspiration to many on the basis of how they may be seeking promotion through attainment and progression only to encounter the brick wall situation which the current UK Wing is able to offer ... Creating an aura of resignation that in turn has a direct impact on their Aerodrome activity. Now unsurprisingly those who attain a Command Structure position don't want to leave having earned their recognition and therefore deserving it the way that they do. However as raised during Squadrongate this situation does at times require the injection of fresh faces and brand new openings in order for things not to become uninspiringly stale or in some (albeit extreme) cases the preserve of the lucky few - a clique.
One thing which I am relatively assured of is that there are no Lurkers currently occupying Command Structure positions. However I also feel that even with it's fun ethos (again this was highlighted during Squadrongate) the Command Structure which the Aerodrome features is actually a requirement: For reward progression and attainment processes but also because Wings of Glory is actually a Wargame and based upon a military occupation - so for authenticity purposes as well. With regard to Gold Memberships that is quite a delicate issue as there is a cost attached to being a Gold Membership Holder and so this requirement cannot be forced upon those who attain Command Structure status ... BTW sorry to keep referring back to Squadrongate but those who know what happened may now be able to see how one way of turning this sizeable negative into a positive maybe is to use it in support of this UK Wing to Group idea because of the benefits which stand to be gained.
With regard to this matter I speak as an Aerodrome Member who has held a Gold Membership since soon after I first joined. So I have held the Commissioned Rank of Captain (British Ranks) since in recognition of this whilst alongside and through non-fiscal and natural attainment I have also become an Ace and attained four medals. Both of these I like although as an enthusiastic contributor as many may be expecting I am hoping one day to be able to add promotion to the Command Structure + Title to my credentials. However no matter how many bright ideas I come up with and (bad) jokes I tell this final one still has to be earned ... and deserved.
Force Multiplier Effect - more Command Structure Members means better opportunities for keeping in touch with Lurkers and this may for many help to keep them in the picture. With no inspiration at all many of course many have gone from being Lurkers D-> MIAs or Missing In Action as life's rich pattern overcoming their interest and time available to spend on the Aerodrome hardly helps in this matter.
One Final Consideration - whose actively out there promoting the game on a regular basis too may be another non-fiscal (to Members) matter which may be a good criteria for the selection of future Command Structure Members.
I think we might be confusing the forum promotion structure, gained through post and reputation etc with the Wingco, Squadron and Flight Leader positions. The later are purely to assist Rob and any group or individual in setting up, supporting and running games and or events. Purely administration and in no way does that put anyone over anyone else. These are not military ranks per se but keeps things in a purely aviation spirited way.
There are no cliques that I have come across in any dealings that I have had with any member or forum group. That's what makes the forum what it is. A fun, great place to share our enthusiasm at whatever level and commitment with like minded people.
I asked for a 'promotion' for Chris as my '2ic' purely for all the great work he does at Doncaster and all the other shows and events, not all in UK North of England area either that he attends. Being so far north it helps me with the administration for shows and gives members a point of contact should they need help.
Apologies to all just didn't want people to think this was a cliquey kind of promotion.
See you on the Dark Side......
Personally I don't believe that anyone who seeks "promotion" should EVER get it!
Opening positions for others to fill would attract some of the egomaniacal types seen on other Forums, and would lead to endless 'pointless' posts, just aimed at securing a position.
Too many cooks can definitely spoil the broth - I think we should have only as many 'leaders' as we NEED, not as many as those who want to be 'leaders'.
A small, experienced group of dedicated organisers/supporters/facilitators will do, and indeed ARE DOING, a far better job than a swollen mass of wannabees who are in it for their own self-gratification.
"Too Many Chiefs, Not Enough Indians" - a situation I have enountered in numerous reenactment groups, and it has always been counter-productive.
There is no need to bother yourselves over the promotion situation chaps.
As those of you with any amount of longevity on the Drome may recall, Keith instigated the system to just keep an eye on the interests of the various members world wide, and to encourage Flights to attempt to keep in touch with people in their area, plus attending events. We set up the criteria for selecting Flight leaders which I still adhere to. Squadron leaders grew out of this naturally as the numbers grew. I can't do all the admin myself.
I have no intention of extending any group beyond Flight Leaders, unless I see a need to do so. As far as making the U.K. into a Wing. Numbers do not justify this. The ranks above Flight leader are simply administrative, and decided upon by we administrators in conjunction with Keith.
It is published simply to help members to know where to turn if they need advice.
1. Their flight Leader if they are a large enough unit to have one appointed.
2. Their Squadron Leader if they can't get information from the Flight leader.
3. Myself as a last resort.
I hope this clarifies the position once and for all.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my Squadron Leaders and other members who take up the strain of organizing the many events which are now on our calendar for each year. without your help these events would simply not be viable. So in that respect we have been a great success.
Rob.
"Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."
Seeking Promotion ... Ah, yes. It was one of mine. Cart before horse - should have spoken of things being earned and deserved before mentioning that some people do indeed seek promotion. But people do so and in a number of ways: But these on the whole come under two categories - publically where they make it evident and privately where they keep this aim to themselves.
Wannabes ... Should be recognised by the organisation or through a democratic voting process which separates them from the more deserving candidates because that's what they are there for. I will admit that I agree with your point Tim however somebody whose just in it to chalk up stats should stand out as seen back in August when the Mav1624 Incident occurred. This was a case of around ninety posts being chalked up in the same day which consisted of just an emoticon and nothing else ... Again this is where I should have spoken of earning and deserving matters in the same instance as to the one already mentioned over seeking promotion - which I could have placed better in another and later paragraph.
Chiefs and Indians ... I've come across Flight Training Schools where this has spoilt the broth and lead to dangerous forms and levels of inefficiency. Tim's experience with re-enactment groups amounts to the same being caused by the same factors. But that leaves me with a genuine question: In the event of somebody looking for further challenges and responsibilities how are they able to go about getting them? Or are we stuck in a grid-iron where the way into the top frames is to be picked / nominated? Why am I asking - because I don't know for myself and I am very interested in this matter.
There may be the odd Member or two thinking yeah but didn't you try and organise an event recently and then have to cancel it? Caused by ill-health that is something which I had never done before and which built on all activities at Galactic Models Gaming Night. But it proved to be too much and activated my Achilles Heel ... Doesn't mean I could still be capable of more but from home instead maybe: When I am well I work from home - so despite a past setback I am still interested.
One final point on seeking promotion: Does anybody in their right mind think that I ever embarked on a flying career knowing how much time effort and money was going to be required in it's establishment ... Just to stay wanting to fly Beechcraft King Airs for the rest of my time? Of course not ... As part of this seeking promotion process I soon found myself within the same tonnage bracket but flying jets like the BAe 125-600 instead. On what grounds should I have ever been denied any steps up or promotions purely on the basis of seeking them when I fitted the criteria being sought? Bear in mind at this time that any seriously wannabe pilots have given up during their Instrument Rating Training ...
I will just reiterate my last post.
There is no need to bother yourselves over the promotion situation chaps.
Rob.
"Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."
Roll on 2016..
lots of shows, lots of friends, lots of fun
Bring it on !!!!
Never Knowingly Undergunned !!
Promotion to Flight Leader for new Flight, Dorset Flight.
After recommendations from a fellow Squadron Leader and conversations with the individual, I have great pleasure in promoting to the Rank of Flight Leader, Dorset Flight, to Mickowenuk.
He will take up the new post effective immediately upon ratification from the Wing Commander.
Will you join me in crongratulating Mick on his promotion and wish him all he best in his new role in Dorset.
I look forward to working with Mick in the future with some of our sceduled shows in the South West.
Last edited by Boney10; 02-22-2016 at 07:39.
Congratulations Mick, look forward to working with you again in the future and hopefully at other events
Sapiens qui vigilat "He is wise who watches"
It gives me the greatest of pleasure to confirm the appointment of Mickowenuk to that of Flight Leader after the recommendation of two of my Squadron Leaders. I am sure that he will continue conduct himself with the same drive and ability that he has shown thus far in the service.
Well done Flight Leader.
Kyte.
"Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."
Congratulations on your promotion to Flight Leader, Mickowenuk! Here's wishing you every success in that role.
Mike
"Flying is learning to throw yourself at the ground and miss" Douglas Adams
"Wings of Glory won't skin your elbows and knees while practicing." OldGuy59
Hearty congratulations to Mickowenuk!
A round of drinks for the fella!
Then, a bit of space and privacy so he can get stuck into all that luvvery admin!
I laugh in the face of danger - then I hide until it goes away!
Mickowenuk Congratulations!
"We do not stop playing when we get old, but we get old when we stop playing."
Well done Mick. Congrats!
Run for your life - there are stupid people everywhere!
Congratulations Mick, on behalf of The Sniper's Times - the ladies in the typing pool are very excited by the news and hope you will pop in for tea when you next visit the officer's mess
Never Knowingly Undergunned !!
Congratulations on your promotion Mick.
Well done Mick, now you have to do the paperwork....no idling allowed (unless your waiting to take off).
See you on the Dark Side......
Many thanks all for the congratulations. Since the Beachhead show I have already had 2 people from our local club enquiring about wings of glory, so am already looking forward to drawing them in to our growing community. Looking now upon request to see if we can get a contact for the Bovington show, and get our presence in there too.
Thanks Mick, seems our efforts paid off a bit then !
Sapiens qui vigilat "He is wise who watches"
Thanks for your invaluable work in establishing Beachhead for us Mick.
Rob.
"Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."
Hopefully it will be the first of many. We will be having a final dust down review in the next week or so, but all the responses we have had so far have been overwhelmingly positive. If they guys who were there would like to provide any feedback, what worked, what we may improve for next time etc, please just let us know, we obviously want to make it as good as we can for everyone. (Unfortunately the one thing we can't control is the car parking....)
I'm sure it's been stated somewhere, but I can't find it in the stickeys. Now I've become a Gold member, is there a signature image for a flight for my region of the country, and if so how do you go about getting hold of it?
If you PM Mike (OldGuy59) in post #80 above Mick he will sort you out for a signature banner !
Sapiens qui vigilat "He is wise who watches"
Mike (Oldguy59) is certainly a magician with cards and Banners. ( waiting for the Paypal transfer for this posting Mike : )
I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing
Received from OldGuy59, and very smart it looks too. Many Thanks.
Very good.
Carry on Lieutenant.
Kyte.
"Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."
Have you checked the wing spacing on that tripe?
Never Knowingly Undergunned !!
lol never fails
Never Knowingly Undergunned !!
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