Who are members of the hang gliding community? Are not hang gliding schools, flight parks, and manufacturers also members of our community? Is there any basic conflict of interest between them and hang glider pilots in general?

Steve Pearson from Wills Wing writes:

I would argue that we are more accountable for the products and services we provide than any representative association. Any school or manufacturer who fails to provide safe products and services at a good value to the consumer simply goes out of business. No one is compelled to to support us. There cannot be a stable community without flight schools recruiting and developing new pilots and we should be doing everything possible to support, recognize and embrace the procedures of those who do it best.

Is there a conflict of interest that somehow disqualifies them from contributing to the best interests of the community?

It is certainly in the best interest of the three parties mentioned above to make sure that the hang gliding community is well served. Seems more like a confluence of interest not a conflict. If you look at the behavior of Wills Wing, for example, over the last forty one years, it is clear that they have been successful precisely because they have served the needs of our community well.

Look at the schools and community centered around Andy Jackson flight park in San Bernardino, California (including Wills Wing - their testing site). With some great support for their tractor from the Foundation for Free Flight, the community has been able to significantly increase their membership and enjoyment.

http://foundationforfreeflight.org/assets-articles/2007 Aug - Andy Jackson Airpark CA.pdf

We need the hang glider manufacturers, the schools, the flight parks, our local clubs, and our national and international associations. All of them are important to keep our sport viable and growing. Grow the business and grow the sport.