As chief operating officer, my job at Flight Safety Foundation is like making sure the airplane is on its flight plan — that is, that the Foundation is on the proper business path for successful operation. As happens aloft, sometimes you encounter turbulence despite your planning. That is where the Foundation finds itself at the moment.
All of the Foundation’s ongoing programs and initiatives require some type of financial support. In addition, CEO Bill Voss and I usually field at least one new safety project idea each week. These ideas, many of them good, are offered by organizations and individuals that are passionate about their respective causes and the need for the Foundation to get involved. Unfortunately, however, the idea usually isn’t accompanied by a funding source.
The money that funds the Foundation’s operating budget comes from three primary sources: membership dues, seminar revenue and funds generated by technical programs. Most of our general and administrative…
