by Gerry Molidor, IAC 14825

What’s In A Name?

I am writing this month’s column over Memorial Day
weekend. As we have done over the past four years, several
IAC members organized and donated a flyby to coincide
with a small Midwest town’s Memorial Day parade. This
year’s flight featured two Sukhoi 29s, an AT-11, a Yak-52T, a
CJ-6, and a T-6. The flyby’s air boss orchestrated the aircraft
to pass overhead just as the Memorial Day ceremony was
completed. It once again helped the parade start with a little
something special and made veterans and their families feel
special, too.

For obvious reasons Memorial Day this year had a renewed
sense of meaning with the Iraq war brought to us live and in
color on television. To truly understand the sacrifice, one
would have to do something knowing in advance that there
was a good chance of being killed in the process. This is truly
an act of courage and unconditional love of country. To all
veterans, past and present, and to the families who continue
to endure the ultimate sacrifice necessary to protect our way
of life, I would like to say thank you. It is appreciated and will
never be forgotten.

A couple of years ago, the ideas associated with a possible
name change to our organization were exhaustively discussed
at board meetings. Over the next year, a consensus
was developed to proceed with floating the idea to
the membership. As unveiled recently at the
membership meeting at Sun ’n Fun, the board
and I are extremely sensitive to the perception
of our longtime members. With
that in mind, we have devised a yearlong
introduction to what we believe is the
correct path to follow.

You might ask why we should change the
name. Why now, and what are the benefits of
a name change? I asked these same questions
myself, and as time went on, it grew on me to the
point that I think now is exactly the right time.

Our founding fathers boldly envisioned a world organization
that would spread around the globe. The only problem
with this is that we have the authority to sanction aerobatic
events only in the United States. The aero clubs of individual
countries hold their own sanctioning authority. To imply
that we are international in authority is incorrect; what we
are is international in passion. We value our international
membership very much, and I believe they will appreciate
our attempt to positively progress this passion with a name
that more accurately reflects who we are.

When I was appointed to this job last year, our management
team was tasked with renewing enthusiasm and renewing
the way we do business. My management team was
confronted head-on with hosting the World Aerobatic
Championships in Lakeland. We were tasked with getting
the Aerobatic Rally concept up and running for the benefit of
all pilots, competitive or not. We were tasked with encouraging
our members to feel the pride and benefit of belonging
to an organization that not only embraces the passions of
stick and rudder flying in the United States, but also embraces
these passions from around the world. Make no mistake
about it, however; we are recognized from our international
colleagues as the aerobatic organization of the United States.
I am proud of this and hope you will be, too.

The board proposes a name change from the International
Aerobatic Club to the United States Aerobatic Association and
to use the logo name of Aerobatics USA. At Sun ’n Fun we had
merchandise items that showcased this fresh look, and
they sold well. Aerobatics USA merchandise will be
available throughout the remainder of the year
at the WAC, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the
U.S. Nationals, and also via mail order.
Check it out and see what you think.

What I am asking of Chapters is to
discuss this proposal not from the point of
why change, but rather from the point of
view of realizing the possibilities of a positive
change. Our organization is moving forward
again, and even though there is much, much
more to do, we are making progress. As for the proposed
name change, the membership has the power to embrace
or reject this effort at next year’s membership meeting
at Sun ’n Fun. The board and I believe that you will embrace
the new patriotic name as appropriate to the positive course
our organization is on. Be safe, learn lots, and have fun!