Hi everyone,
I thought I’d also introduce myself and explain why I’m putting my hand up again for the Board.
I ran for the RAAus Board for the first time last year and was fortunate to receive strong support from members, ultimately missing out on a Board position by just five votes. With only just over 600 members voting, it also showed me how much every vote can matter. That experience reinforced my desire to contribute, so I’m putting my hand up again this year.
I’m James Macdonald. I’ve spent more than 25 years running businesses, have considerable board and governance experience, and currently serve on a Risk & Governance Committee outside RAAus. But just as importantly, I’m actively involved in recreational aviation at club level.
I’m a RAAus pilot, an L1 maintainer and currently working toward becoming an L2 maintainer. I’m doing that because I want to contribute more practically to my flying club at The Oaks and help keep club aircraft safe, serviceable and available for members and students.
For me, being an RAAus Director isn’t about knowing everything about aviation or trying to run the day-to-day organisation. It is about asking the right questions, understanding the issues members are facing, setting clear strategic direction, overseeing risk and governance, and making sure decisions ultimately deliver value to members.
RAAus faces some real challenges, increasing costs, regulation, maintaining a strong safety culture, supporting flying schools and instructors, keeping recreational aviation affordable, and ensuring members see value in the organisation they belong to.
I also think Directors need to stay connected with what is happening at the grassroots level. Decisions made around a board table can have very practical consequences for pilots, maintainers, instructors, clubs and flying schools.
My approach is fairly simple: keep recreational aviation safe, enjoyable and affordable, while making sure RAAus remains a strong and sustainable organisation for the future.
I also believe that, as a candidate, I should be prepared to be asked the hard questions, not only during an election campaign, but also afterwards if I am fortunate enough to be elected. Board members should be accountable to the membership, transparent about the decisions and issues they can appropriately discuss, prepared to explain the reasoning behind decisions, and importantly, be contactable and willing to listen to members.
For me, transparency also means members should have confidence that their concerns are being heard, that important issues are not avoided simply because they are difficult, and that there is a clear line of communication between the membership and the Board.
Following the candidate live chat a few days ago, I’d be interested in hearing directly from members:
What are the things you would most like the next RAAus Board to focus on?
And what could RAAus do better to provide greater value to its members?
Members are required to cast two votes in this election. I’d genuinely appreciate it if you would consider giving me one of those two votes.
Last year showed just how much a small number of votes can make a difference, so I’d encourage every eligible member to take the time to participate.
RAAus candidate
James Macdonald
