Who does the money go to, what do they do with it, and what do you get in return?
My sentiments exactly. In the first instance, you have to be a member of LAAS or another society or an employee of the armed/security forces or a recognised professional (which I may be as I’m a member of a professional body, but it isn’t defined so I’m not exactly sure what it means) before they’ll even consider you for membership.
Secondly, you get 3 years’ membership and a card for £15, which can be revoked at any time. I’m sure it doesn’t cost £15 to produce a laminated card and run a couple of security checks.
Thirdly, why should people pay just for the privilege of taking photos of 30m + planes flying overhead or on the ground? Train spotters etc aren’t obliged to get passes to stand on station platforms, yet trains often carry more passengers than planes and must be much softer targets for terrorists given the lack of security personnel (I’ve travelled through London Bridge and Clapham Junction on a daily basis for the past three and a half years, so can vouch for this).
Finally, why not ask spotters just to carry a couple of forms of ID (e.g. a passport and drivers’ licence)? Would be much easier to police and less hassle.
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