by Gerry Molidor, IAC 14825
The Road Ahead
This year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was an amazing demonstration on the powers of networking. I have attended the EAA AirVenture convention literally dozens of times in the past and found it the place to be, especially when building or buying parts for an airplane. But the purpose of this year’s visit was to meet with as many different organizations as possible to find common ground on behalf of the IAC. Charting an accurate course for our club requires the consensus of many people, and the great thing about EAA AirVenture is that many of them are at the same place at the same time.
Early on in the week we met with Sue Gardner of the FAA in Washington, D.C. You should be very proud that the FAA views our organization and our network of Chapters as leaders in self-governance. We very much intend to keep it this way, and we all have a stake in checking each other’s “six.” We don’t intend to get overbearing here, but I am asking the most visible veterans to encourage folks to use their best common sense and understand the intent of “the rules of engagement.” It doesn’t need to be any more complicated than that unless we prove otherwise.
Among other things, we discussed aerobatic box waivers in length. Sue Gardner is collecting the waivers from the various FSDOs around the country to analyze common practices of issuance. Her intention is to standardize how waivers are granted. The IAC, with its good record in self-governance, may soon find itself taking a much more active role in this process. Other airspace issues included finishing up on work begun by Rob Dorsey. We have received a clear interpretation of airspace issues where aerobatics may be conducted. We’ll have more on this particular matter and other FAA-related developments in a later issue.
We presented our third videotape developed at the request of the FAA, dealing with aircraft loss of control. Titled Spatial Disorientation, it was unveiled at an EAA AirVenture forum with help from the FAA’s Kevin Clover, space shuttle astronaut Hoot Gibson, Mike Goulian, Dave Monroe, and me. The video features appearances from Mike, Hoot, and his wife, Dr. Rhea Seddon. A big thank you goes to all and especially to IAC Vice President Dave Monroe, IAC Director Mike Maloney, and Rich Stowell for overseeing the development of the last two FAA videotape projects. Their work will benefit pilots for years to come and is available through the IAC or your local FSDO.
A considerable amount of time was spent meeting with IAC Director Jim Taylor, who is heading up our Aerobatic Rally Program. As mentioned in previous communications, event insurance was causing a snafu, and we continue to work in finding the very best way to package this program for the benefit of all pilots. There is so much information that would be of great interest to everyone who enjoys flying airplanes, and Jim has been conducting test programs in the Midwest to polish up the product. We’re serious about helping all pilots with stick and rudder issues and understand it is completely aside from the competition aspect of the club.
A meeting was held with the president and vice president of Sun ’n Fun EAA Fly-In, John Burton and Greg Harbaugh, to discuss budget issues with regards to the 2003 World Aerobatic Championship (WAC), which is planned to be held at their facility in Lakeland, Florida, next summer. Action plans were formed, a timeline was set, and I am happy to say we have overcome budget problems that would 3 We’re serious about helping all pilots with stick and rudder issues and understand it is completely aside from the competition aspect of the club. have threatened the event. We are now full speed ahead in planning and executing a championship of the best of the best.
I would like to take a minute to set the tone of what it is to host a world championship. In short we are hosting guests from around the world to come to our country, much like you would invite your family from overseas to come visit you. We greet them from their overseas flights, set them up with transportation, feed and take care of them, show them good sportsmanship, and above all, make sure they understand that we value their friendship.
The 1997 AWAC Contest Director Col. Boris Baird and the Chamber of Commerce of Lawrence, Kansas, were the last to host a world event on behalf of the United States. Through Boris’ leadership, they set a high benchmark on the aforementioned, and the pilots, team members, and their families went home with very fond memories of our country and the American people. We must do the same with the 2003 WAC in Lakeland, and we will. We will also be witness to the best cutting edge stick and rudder flying in the world. Mark your calendar now for June 25 through July 4, 2003, for the WAC at the Sun ’n Fun campus.
We had a wonderful turnout for the Friday evening, IAC-hosted membership party. Falcon Insurance sponsored the gala, which featured a buffetstyle dinner, kegs of beer, and music from a DJ. It was great to visit with many IAC members attending Oshkosh under the IAC big tent, and we hope to see you there next year.
Lastly, I would like to recognize our IAC staff, Lisa Popp, Jan Hetzer, Sue Christensen, and all the volunteers that worked throughout the event. It’s a real marathon week, and the volume of work being done on behalf of the club is tremendous. Thanks to all of you, and know that you are appreciated very much.
