Hi folks - new LAA CEO

Peter Harvey · Post by **Peter Harvey** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 3:52 pm

Hello, I'm the new LAA CEO.
Please excuse the somewhat informal approach, but having read the ‘New CEO?’ thread, it seemed appropriate to introduce myself. This will be done formally elsewhere soon (on the LAA website, our magazine and other aviation journals if they’re interested).

Firstly, I agree we could have handled the intros better – a quick note on the website should be easy. Except the keeper of the site is away this week and being my first week in the office, I don’t have the passwords. It’s not deliberately planned this way you know…

Secondly, I come from a background in IT. In fact I was an e-Business management consultant for KPMG, advising corporates on their eBusiness strategy and communications (makes point 1, above, all the more embarrassing doesn’t it)?! Perhaps not surprisingly, I am looking to use the web as a major communication channel. This Forum’s a great way to get informal messages ‘out’ there, but not so many of our members are involved. Our LAA website has huge potential and we will use it far more to communicate what’s going on (hey, even a blog might be helpful in understanding what we’re aiming for and the trials and considerations along the way).

Thirdly, after just 3.5 days in the office, it’s clear that the team here really care. OK, you expect me to say that, but it’s true. We can do things smarter for sure, but updating and evolving our systems will take some resource and considerable care. I’ll report back towards the end of April, probably on the website.

On a more positive note, Graham (he’s still here and still technically CEO until I’m up to speed) has been a hero in Europe. He’d never say that of course, but LAA has been hugely influential in protecting and extending our rights within the new European regulatory environment. It looks like we’ll have an international version of the NPPL, a European Light Aircraft (like the Light Sport category) providing low cost flying, but with great performance in a factory built and the LAA will be right there developing, supporting and providing these and other new options, in addition to continuing our core homebuilt activities. Gives you a warm feeling doesn't it?

Hopefully, I sound something like a CEO of the LAA.

As to introducing myself, I’m the ‘BGA’ Peter Harvey and still on the BGA exec. About 3000 hours hang gliding, mostly international competitions, 2500 hours gliding (again mostly competition – two more events this year), 80 hours microlites, 100 hours PPL(A), even 50 hours paragliding. I’ve walked away from every landing/impact over the last 31 years and still love flying, whatever its form. I’ve built hang gliders, microlites and currently have a share in a Robin 400 at Sywell.

I want to visit more LAA builders and members, so feel free to contact me with your thoughts, suggestions and feedback. More later. I’ve got some exciting EASA documentation to read before bedtime.
Cheers
peter.harvey(at)laa.uk.com

Rod1 · Post by **Rod1** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:55 pm

Welcome to the association. If you want to meet up and have a look at my MCR01 you are most welcome (I am also based in the midlands)

Alternatively we have a Forum fly in to Shobdon on the 19th (1/2 price landing fee) which will attract about 15 aircraft.

Rod1

Chris B · Post by **Chris B** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 5:59 pm

Peter,

Welcome aboard, a breath of fresh air on the Forum.

There are a lot of committed people here too, and some that should be!

It's refreshing to know that the improvement and use of this asset is on the cards.

A great start.

Enjoy,

Chris B

ian herdis · Post by **ian herdis** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 7:45 pm

Hi, Pete
Welcome to the LAA, shame you were not given the password, hope they gave you a door key, ha ha.

Good luck and best wishes in your new post

Regards
Ian

flyin'dutch' · Post by **flyin'dutch'** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 12:09 am

Peter,

Welcome to the club.

As to introducing myself, I’m the ‘BGA’ Peter Harvey and still on the BGA exec. About 3000 hours hang gliding, mostly international competitions, 2500 hours gliding (again mostly competition – two more events this year), 80 hours microlites, 100 hours PPL(A), even 50 hours paragliding. I’ve walked away from every landing/impact over the last 31 years and still love flying, whatever its form

Reading your 'CV' I am pleased that you have a very broad experience in aviation which will no doubt help in building good relationships with other organisations fighting for the cause of General Aviation in all its facets.

have a share in a Robin 400 at Sywell.

And obviously a man of good taste!

Steve Brown · Post by **Steve Brown** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 10:08 am

A very warm welcome Peter - you sound like you will be a great asset to LAA with your diverse experience and willingness to be open and alive to new ideas & ways of doing things - thanks for taking the trouble to intro yourself on the forum.
Credit to Graham too for everything he has done for LAA & flying for the enthusiast generally.
Regards
Steve

Jim Gale · Post by **Jim Gale** » Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:55 pm

Welcome Peter and thanks for the intro. Look forward to meeting you soon at a Devon Strut function.
Regards, Jim.
BaP2 - Spirit of Devon Youth.

Bob F · Post by **Bob F** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 7:07 pm

Peter,

Welcome to the LAA, good start with the post. Looks like you know what you are letting yourself in for. - Just joking! Good luck.

Bob F

BJ · Post by BJ » Wed Jun 04, 2008 11:35 pm

Hell's Bell's - all this experience and he still cannot spell Microlights correctly (quote - microlites)..

Steve Brown · Post by **Steve Brown** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 11:44 pm

Bouy - you shore know how too make somewun feel welcum!

mikehallam · Post by **mikehallam** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:49 pm

Peter Harvey,

Please confirm you are the new CEO as I can't see it in the June LAA mag. frontspiece.

Post by **PennySharpe** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 10:45 am

Hi Mike

May issue of Light Aviation - page 23.

Hope this helps.

Penny