So I went to the local EAA meeting.........

Mike Smith

Mike Smith

En-Route
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
2,626
Location
Prattville, Alabama
Display Name
Display name:
Fresh Prince of PrattVegas
Last night. A little background, I got my PPL last December and have been trying to network and meet other people who fly. I have to say, it's not as easy as it seems. I have met a couple of folks doing PnP flights, but that's about it. So I sent an email to the president of the local chapter of EAA asking when the meetings were and where, he replied back with the time and place. So I went to the meeting last night, it's held in a large hanger on the field and when I get there, there are about 25 people there. I walk up and introduce myself to the first guy I see, he says his name is Fred.......and walks off. Next guy by, I say, " hey. I'm Mike, he says, my name is Pete, and walks off. I stand there....... Well there are a couple of nice looking Yaks in the hangar so I wander around........everyone is lining up to get food that they have on a table, I kinda hover. Everyone now has a plate and is sitting down, no one has said squat to me and I'm still just standing there. So, I walk out and get in my truck and go home. I'm sure they are good guys, but man, just a little courtesy would have been nice. Anyway,the point of my mini rant is, if folks really want GA to grow at all, be at least somewhat welcoming to new people in your circle.
 
mikeinbama said:
Last night. A little background, I got my PPL last December and have been trying to network and meet other people who fly. I have to say, it's not as easy as it seems. I have met a couple of folks doing PnP flights, but that's about it. So I sent an email to the president of the local chapter of EAA asking when the meetings were and where, he replied back with the time and place. So I went to the meeting last night, it's held in a large hanger on the field and when I get there, there are about 25 people there. I walk up and introduce myself to the first guy I see, he says his name is Fred.......and walks off. Next guy by, I say, " hey. I'm Mike, he says, my name is Pete, and walks off. I stand there....... Well there are a couple of nice looking Yaks in the hangar so I wander around........everyone is lining up to get food that they have on a table, I kinda hover. Everyone now has a plate and is sitting down, no one has said squat to me and I'm still just standing there. So, I walk out and get in my truck and go home. I'm sure they are good guys, but man, just a little courtesy would have been nice. Anyway,the point of my mini rant is, if folks really want GA to grow at all, be at least somewhat welcoming to new people in your circle.
Click to expand...


Argh. This is all too familiar.

Sorry, Mike. In my experience, many pilots are a peculiar mix of self-absorbed and oblivious to social norms. It's almost a prerequisite to doing something that is so foreign to the majority of human beings.

Next month, try to find the guy you emailed. In your introductory email, describe yourself and tell him that you will be there and will personally find him and join him at his table.

Sometimes you have to spoon feed pilots. Eventually, though, once you break down the social barriers pilots are good people.
 
Yeah, I'm sure you're right Jay. Like I said, I'm sure they are good guys and I would go to another meeting once I know some of them. But man, that was very awkward.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
It's not just flying. People are becoming more and more that way across the board. I blame the internet. No need to meet new people anymore.
 
Bit of a guess here, but might recommend a little patience.

POA seems to attract a good number of extroverts (put politely- and I've met a few of you- NO hiding it!)

EAA meetings are just a population of old friends that have (in some cases) been flying together for decades. Some chapters are a little closer knit than others making it feel pretty much as you describe.

Go back or find another chapter. I have found some people that have taken years to say high. Others have wanted to talk so long my bladder just about exploded. Definite extrovert.

Alabama? Where is prattville?
 
Does the FAA hold any "Wings" programs in your area? Contact your local FSDO and get on their list.
 
You did better than me. I tried calling, left voicemail and emailed my local EAA chapter about going to their monthly meeting; no reply from anyone, so I didn't bother.
 
brian];1830469 said:
Bit of a guess here, but might recommend a little patience.

POA seems to attract a good number of extroverts (put politely- and I've met a few of you- NO hiding it!)

EAA meetings are just a population of old friends that have (in some cases) been flying together for decades. Some chapters are a little closer knit than others making it feel pretty much as you describe.

Go back or find another chapter. I have found some people that have taken years to say high. Others have wanted to talk so long my bladder just about exploded. Definite extrovert.

Alabama? Where is prattville?
Click to expand...

There is another chapter, but it's a little farther away. This one is 10 minutes from home. Like I said, I just want to meet people who like to fly, my family is tired of hearing me talk about airplanes. Prattville is right outside of Montgomery. Pretty much dead center of the state.
 
Shoot wasn't where I thought it was (Prattville). Can't help.

Make the drive- especially to Montgomery (assuming that is the other chapter). Larger fields will have a larger pilot population. But be patient..

What I like about out local chapters is that we all talk flying. Later I'll find out one guy is an attorney, another a business owner.. And around here you will bump into airline pilots, and the occasional ex fighter pilot. For an hour or so we are all pilots.

(And guessing by your photo, I've seen a few female resident docs to be... Kinda wish I were 20 something again. You are on your own there bud..)
 
mikeinbama said:
Last night. A little background, I got my PPL last December and have been trying to network and meet other people who fly. I have to say, it's not as easy as it seems. I have met a couple of folks doing PnP flights, but that's about it. So I sent an email to the president of the local chapter of EAA asking when the meetings were and where, he replied back with the time and place. So I went to the meeting last night, it's held in a large hanger on the field and when I get there, there are about 25 people there. I walk up and introduce myself to the first guy I see, he says his name is Fred.......and walks off. Next guy by, I say, " hey. I'm Mike, he says, my name is Pete, and walks off. I stand there....... Well there are a couple of nice looking Yaks in the hangar so I wander around........everyone is lining up to get food that they have on a table, I kinda hover. Everyone now has a plate and is sitting down, no one has said squat to me and I'm still just standing there. So, I walk out and get in my truck and go home. I'm sure they are good guys, but man, just a little courtesy would have been nice. Anyway,the point of my mini rant is, if folks really want GA to grow at all, be at least somewhat welcoming to new people in your circle.
Click to expand...
My experience with our local EAA Chapter, Right after I got the hangar at BVS 4 years ago, I attended the local chapter's meeting. As soon as I entered the room a guy I knew said Hi Tom Hey guys this is Tom Downey. then some one said We don't need no stinking A&P-IAs here.

I left.

3 weeks later the same guy showed up at my new hangar and wanted to see if I had any Bendix mag vent plugs.

I couldn't help my self. I simply said " Oh now, you need an A&P-IA" he left.

I am a member of the EAA and a vintage member too.

They are a good out fit, but some chapters are snobs.
 
Last edited:
I've never been to anything like that, and I'm very much in your boat. Don't know a single pilot socially, but I'm quite shy and not really great at the small talk needed to connect with others. You know what would help in this department? Insist that pilots bring a gal along. Wife, gf, sister, daughter, friend, whatever. Hate to sound like this, but the feminine gender tends to be more socially connected. I should know, I've got three of them in this house outnumbering me.
 
woodchucker said:
I've never been to anything like that, and I'm very much in your boat. Don't know a single pilot socially, but I'm quite shy and not really great at the small talk needed to connect with others. You know what would help in this department? Insist that pilots bring a gal along. Wife, gf, sister, daughter, friend, whatever. Hate to sound like this, but the feminine gender tends to be more socially connected. I should know, I've got three of them in this house outnumbering me.
Click to expand...

Great idea! Sadly, most pilot groups are openly, stupidly indifferent to women. I belong to one that outright bans them.

Ironically, the people who generally hold every successful pilot group together? Women! :mad2:
 
You have to give it a chance,people can initially be standoffish. May take a few meetings. Find out where they hang out,or have coffee. Or try another airport.im in both mass and fla,and have plenty of fellow pilots in both locations to hang with.
 
mikeinbama said:
Last night. A little background, I got my PPL last December and have been trying to network and meet other people who fly. I havtto say, it's not as easy as it seems. I have met a couple of folks doing PnP flights, but that's about it. So I sent an email to the president of the local chapter of EAA asking when the meetings were and where, he replied back with the time and place. So I went to the meeting last night, it's held in a large hanger on the field and when I get there, there are about 25 people there. I walk up and introduce myself to the first guy I see, he says his name is Fred.......and walks off. Next guy by, I say, " hey. I'm Mike, he says, my name is Pete, and walks off. I stand there....... Well there are a couple of nice looking Yaks in the hangar so I wander around........everyone is lining up to get food that they have on a table, I kinda hover. Everyone now has a plate and is sitting down, no one has said squat to me and I'm still just standing there. So, I walk out and get in my truck and go home. I'm sure they are good guys, but man, just a little courtesy would have been nice. Anyway,the point of my mini rant is, if folks really want GA to grow at all, be at least somewhat welcoming to new people in your circle.
Click to expand...


With all due respect, what did you expect to happen? A brass band? People dropping to their knees and bowing as you walk in?

Getting to know someone takes time and most importantly EFFORT. You should have gotten a plate of food, thanked the people who brought it, sat down with the most talkative people there, shut up and listen. You are the new guy to the group. You have no idea who these people are, their flying history, flying experiences, etc. Maybe start the conversation? How long have you been flying? What do you fly? Anyone going to OSH? Anyone building anything? Who's Yaks are those?

You seem to be upset that no one asked you questions, but yet fail to ask anyone there about themselves.

The internet has ruined peoples social skills. :mad2:
 
Last edited:
Aren't most pilots all about themselves? After all, how many people can overcome the surly grips of terra firma on a whim for sustained periods all whilst drinking coffee and twisting some knob on some dial with A lot of numbers on it with some useful meaning that only we can decipher?


:yes:

iQUOTE='brian];1830469']Bit of a guess here, but might recommend a little patience.

POA seems to attract a good number of extroverts (put politely- and I've met a few of you- NO hiding it!)

EAA meetings are just a population of old friends that have (in some cases) been flying together for decades. Some chapters are a little closer knit than others making it feel pretty much as you describe.

Go back or find another chapter. I have found some people that have taken years to say high. Others have wanted to talk so long my bladder just about exploded. Definite extrovert.

Alabama? Where is prattville?[/QUOTE]
 
Maybe Im Reading his post different...


He tried to make friends and the chapter members turned a blind eye. When you walk up and make contact with someone, only to have them spin on their heals and walk away, the nonverbal communication speaks for it's self.

That's what I gather happened. What's he supposed to do, sit there and stair into space like the rest of the guys there who had their medical revoked over 20 years ago? :rolleyes2:


Geico266 said:
With all due respect, what did you expect to happen? A brass band? People dropping to their knees and bowing as you walk in?

Getting to know someone takes time and most importantly EFFORT. You should have gotten a plate of food, thanked the people who brought it, sat down with the most talkative people there, shut up and listen. You are the new guy to the group. You have no idea who these people are, their flying history, flying experiences, etc. Maybe start the conversation? How long have you been flying? What do you fly? Anyone going to OSH? Anyone building anything? Who's Yaks are those?

You seem to be upset that no one asked you questions, but yet fail to ask anyone there about themselves.

The internet has ruined peoples social skills. :mad2:
Click to expand...
 
I gave an EAA chapter a shot. It was not at my home airport, but I knew two people who were involved, so I joined.

I knew it was almost strictly a builders chapter. I find the concept fascinating, but would never have the time or inclination to build.
My experience was kind of the same as the OP's. After about 6 meetings, my circle of acquaintances didn't grow - maybe because I didn't have a 10-year Sonix project in my basement, so when they asked about projects , I couldn't say that I put in 50 rivets last month.
I stopped going.
6 months ago I joined a local CAF Wing, and found it to be a much more open and welcoming group. Oh, and my wife now has to call me Colonel. :D
 
Geico266 said:
With all due respect, what did you expect to happen? A brass band? People dropping to their knees and bowing as you walk in?

Getting to know someone takes time and most importantly EFFORT. You should have gotten a plate of food, thanked the people who brought it, sat down with the most talkative people there, shut up and listen. You are the new guy to the group. You have no idea who these people are, their flying history, flying experiences, etc. Maybe start the conversation? How long have you been flying? What do you fly? Anyone going to OSH? Anyone building anything? Who's Yaks are those?

You seem to be upset that no one asked you questions, but yet fail to ask anyone there about themselves.

The internet has ruined peoples social skills. :mad2:
Click to expand...

Wow, you sound like you might have been at that meeting! I suspect he was expecting a bit of courtesy. Maybe, at a stretch, a 'Hello, glad you could come out'.

Kinda on the other side of the equation. Long story short, my wife and I had to set down at a random airport to wait out some weather. We went to talk to a guy sitting in his hanger. He ended up offering us his Jeep to drive in to town for some dinner while we waited. Very nice guy.
 
Mike,

To summarize Larry's rant:

"Hey you f***ing kid, get off of my lawn!"

That's what you'll run into at many of the pilots' clubs, including here.

I've been "associated" with at least a half dozen pilots' clubs at various airports that I've been at over the years and, unfortunately, most---not all but most---are exactly as you describe.

The biggest turn-off for me, however, is how the typical member of most pilots' clubs aren't active pilots, rather they quit flying years ago and now sit around and talk about the glory days. When There is fly out---no one shows up even on the nicest day. The club I was most recently associated with has almost 50 members and a whopping three of us attended the April fly-out, it was a beautiful day.

This after the presentation at the April meeting was given by "Spike." A guy in his 80s who's had a long and storied flying history. His presentation consisted of listing every plane that he flew during his career and the highlights of where he flew each one. He's a really great guy and wonderful to talk to one-on-one but that presentation...really? Bored to tears for twenty minutes.

Oh, and he no longer flies either.

I even tried to get the former pilots to join us on the fly-outs as passengers...we always have plenty of room since we're flying 182s and the like...no success...

Most pilots' clubs would be more aptly named "former pilots clubs" and I'm not into that scene.

The only exception I've encountered was Harrison, Ar. A very active club with good, educational presentations at each month's meeting and regular (and well attended) fly-out. Of course, the average member's age of that club was likely 15 years younger than most out there.

Anther sign of aviations pending demise? Likely.
 
JCranford said:
Kinda on the other side of the equation. Long story short, my wife and I had to set down at a random airport to wait out some weather. We went to talk to a guy sitting in his hanger. He ended up offering us his Jeep to drive in to town for some dinner while we waited. Very nice guy.
Click to expand...

Likely because he was an active pilot...unlike most of those in the pilots' clubs. :rofl:
 
Sorry for your experience. I'm the President of our local chapter here in the Atlanta area (KLZU). We have a little over 250 members and are still growing. Not likely you would have been treated that way here as on of my BOD members would have certainly stopped and struck up a conversation with you or pretty much anyone else for that matter.

I'm not sure I would give up though.
 
mikeinbama said:
Last night. A little background, I got my PPL last December and have been trying to network and meet other people who fly. I have to say, it's not as easy as it seems. I have met a couple of folks doing PnP flights, but that's about it. So I sent an email to the president of the local chapter of EAA asking when the meetings were and where, he replied back with the time and place. So I went to the meeting last night, it's held in a large hanger on the field and when I get there, there are about 25 people there. I walk up and introduce myself to the first guy I see, he says his name is Fred.......and walks off. Next guy by, I say, " hey. I'm Mike, he says, my name is Pete, and walks off. I stand there....... Well there are a couple of nice looking Yaks in the hangar so I wander around........everyone is lining up to get food that they have on a table, I kinda hover. Everyone now has a plate and is sitting down, no one has said squat to me and I'm still just standing there. So, I walk out and get in my truck and go home. I'm sure they are good guys, but man, just a little courtesy would have been nice. Anyway,the point of my mini rant is, if folks really want GA to grow at all, be at least somewhat welcoming to new people in your circle.
Click to expand...

Jay Honeck said:
Argh. This is all too familiar.
.
Click to expand...

Challenged said:
You did better than me. I tried calling, left voicemail and emailed my local EAA chapter about going to their monthly meeting; no reply from anyone, so I didn't bother.
Click to expand...

Geico266 said:
With all due respect, what did you expect to happen? A brass band? People dropping to their knees and bowing as you walk in?
Click to expand...

timwinters said:
Mike,

To summarize Larry's rant:

"Hey you f***ing kid, get off of my lawn!"

That's what you'll run into at many of the pilots' clubs, including here.
Click to expand...

:rolleyes:
 
I've had a similar experience with pilots in general, however, I hung in there and continued to show my face around the airport(s), and have made some good friends over time. I think some pilots are like cats. You have to work for their affection. I fit squarely into the extrovert column, so it can be frustrating.

P.S. Don't forget to put some blame on texting and smartphones for the breakdown in social skills.
 
mikeinbama said:
Last night. A little background, I got my PPL last December and have been trying to network and meet other people who fly. I have to say, it's not as easy as it seems. I have met a couple of folks doing PnP flights, but that's about it. So I sent an email to the president of the local chapter of EAA asking when the meetings were and where, he replied back with the time and place. So I went to the meeting last night, it's held in a large hanger on the field and when I get there, there are about 25 people there. I walk up and introduce myself to the first guy I see, he says his name is Fred.......and walks off. Next guy by, I say, " hey. I'm Mike, he says, my name is Pete, and walks off. I stand there....... Well there are a couple of nice looking Yaks in the hangar so I wander around........everyone is lining up to get food that they have on a table, I kinda hover. Everyone now has a plate and is sitting down, no one has said squat to me and I'm still just standing there. So, I walk out and get in my truck and go home. I'm sure they are good guys, but man, just a little courtesy would have been nice. Anyway,the point of my mini rant is, if folks really want GA to grow at all, be at least somewhat welcoming to new people in your circle.
Click to expand...

I say it all the time, if you want to grow GA, you have to add a social aspect to it, and flying is about the most anti-social activity I've come across. Racing cars is on par with aviation cost wise, and it's a whole different world socially; if you break a part, your competition in the next pit over will lend you his spare to keep you racing if he has one.
 
Mike, imagine a 20-something walking into one and being 100 years younger than everyone else.

(just kidding)

My now fiancé has joined me just about everytime ive gone. Im lucky with that. I also recognized the similarity between the president's name and his screenname on here (EppyGA). I introduced myself and then just annoy him everytime i go. Its really all downhill from there.

I also got drawn into having drinks with one of the cooks if i didnt return to the next meeting. She didnt care that my fiancé was present. Lol!

I hate that i missed the last one.

Mike, youre the new guy. You introduce yourself. It does help to get there early before things have spun up.

EppyGA said:
Sorry for your experience. I'm the President of our local chapter here in the Atlanta area (KLZU). We have a little over 250 members and are still growing. Not likely you would have been treated that way here as on of my BOD members would have certainly stopped and struck up a conversation with you or pretty much anyone else for that matter.

I'm not sure I would give up though.
Click to expand...

Once i got warmed up to a few people, its been great and i look forward to the next one.
 
Thanks for all the replies, if I knew how to multi quote I would but here goes......first I take no offense to what Larry said and like I said in the OP,I am sure they are good people, just a little lacking in people skills. I didn't leave mad, I left because it was awkward as hell. The reason I didn't grab a plate of food is because it wasn't offered to me, I'm a little old fashioned in the sense that I don't invite myself to dinner. Again, I wasn't put out, just felt weird. I know they are jolly fellows because they were having a great time with each other, but I get it that they didn't know who I was. I am far from a prima doña, I just needed a little more assurance that I was indeed welcome so as not to feel awkward. And lastly, I don't know where some of you got the idea I am in my 20s, I'm 50.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
mikeinbama said:
Thanks for all the replies, if I knew how to multi quote I would but here goes......first I take no offense to what Larry said and like I said in the OP,I am sure they are good people, just a little lacking in people skills. I didn't leave mad, I left because it was awkward as hell. The reason I didn't grab a plate of food is because it wasn't offered to me, I'm a little old fashioned in the sense that I don't invite myself to dinner. Again, I wasn't put out, just felt weird. I know they are jolly fellows because they were having a great time with each other, but I get it that they didn't know who I was. I am far from a prima doña, I just needed a little more assurance that I was indeed welcome so as not to feel awkward. And lastly, I don't know where some of you got the idea I am in my 20s, I'm 50.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

So, you were what, 20 years younger than the next youngest guy there?:lol:
 
If it makes the OP feel any better, my first meeting with POA people was a bit like that. Everyone knew everyone but me, and it felt just a bit creepy. Nonetheless the folks from this board whom I've met have been superlative people who I am proud to know.

My EAA chapter is really welcoming, but I don't count anyone I met there as a good friend. Just how it goes. I really should do more with them, the stars just haven't been lining up.
 
Well, yes, I was the youngest guy there by a fair margin.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
mikeinbama said:
Well, yes, I was the youngest guy there by a fair margin.
Click to expand...

Yeah, EAA chapters are kinda hit and miss on that, and there certainly is some "Stay off my lawn" attitude at some that tends to keep the membership 'exclusive'.
 
Mike is not alone, as I have found out, the one chapter that I went to close by is a clique and if you are not one of them you are not welcome, people can be and are very stand offish for sure but that applies to many groups. Where people should be welcoming newbies with open arms they turn you away and off. No wonder the chapters are stagnant or dying. All it takes is one jerk to offend you and we are gone as some one else here said.

Mike, thank you for saying what you did, you can see others have the same experiences about EAA chapters.
 
Mike, don't know if there is a CAP unit close to your location. The CAP unit here in Juneau is a friendly bunch. You can get checked out in their planes and the rates are reasonable. If you own a plane they will allow you usage of the hanger for maintenance and have A&P/IA members that will give you guidance.

Personally I don't have the time to dedicate to the group, maybe when I retire I will join.

I'm a private pilot and owner 20 years. Most of my free time is spent taking the wife on trips or working on my Beechcraft. I know lots of local pilots and do socialize with them from time to time, everyone lends a helping hand when needed. I've been flying 20 years out of the same/only airport in town.

Give it time, relationships do take time to evolve.
 
Last edited:
CAP as a solution to EAA? LOL Jesus I thought you liked the guy....:D
 
hindsight2020 said:
CAP as a solution to EAA? LOL Jesus I thought you liked the guy....:D
Click to expand...

We have a great CAP Squadron in the airport. We've worked together on several things. I've spoken at their meeting and they've spoken at ours. Several of their members belong to our chapter and are regulars at pancake breakfasts. A couple of young folks in my youth program are CAP Cadets.
 
Henning said:
So, you were what, 20 years younger than the next youngest guy there?:lol:
Click to expand...

:lol:

to the OP, you may just need to force the conversation initially. Let them know you just got your PPL and you're excited about getting to know people locally. Most people love to talk about themselves and their planes.
 
Tell em you banged their daugh-, I mean grand- I mean great grand, I mean great great granddaughter. That should get the conversation going.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top