by Gerry Molidor, IAC 14825

Future Challenges

Now that the World Aerobatic Championships (WAC) and EAA AirVenture are successfully behind us, we are in the process of refocusing the club’s energy to deal with the challenges of the future. Fulfilling membership expectation through education and social means tops my list. Another important issue is that of noise complaints, not only with aerobatics, but also with sport aviation in general. A long-term strategy to deal with noise complaints must be developed to successfully deal with these issues.

Before commenting on this, I wanted to report on EAA AirVenture. It was very nice to visit with many of our members, and I continue to marvel at our wonderful volunteers. Volunteers across the country cheerfully keep the momentum of the organization moving forward. This year there was no shortage of great people to man the IAC Pavilion, and I am very proud to recognize the following: Bunk and Diana Chase, Bill Bruns, Ann Salcedo, Leo Orlando, Bob Post, Todd Ashcroft, Gary DeBaun, Karen Marsland, Jim Ward, Mary Gowans, Richard Gould, Mike Niccum, Jim and Caitlyn Cavanaugh, Nathan and Jeff Abel, Mark Kinder, Jim Klick, Kim Michalski, Jon Allen, past IAC President Linda Hamer, Director Jim Taylor, Jean Taylor, Director Vicki Cruse, Director Howie Stock, and Director Graham Bird.

We can’t forget our staff: Lisa Popp, Jan Hetzer, and Sue Christensen. EAA AirVenture is a lot of work, involving much overtime, and they were doing it on the heels of our successful WAC. Good job, ladies! To all who helped, thank you for making EAA AirVenture a success.

After ferrying a beautiful 400-hp Su-29 to the IAC Pavilion the Monday prior to EAA AirVenture, Bill Bruns was kind enough to give me a ride back home to Illinois. Bill and Christie Bruns are pillar members of the IAC, especially known in the Midwest. Both have competed and served as contest director, registrar, and Chapter president; you name it, they did it. Bill, a recently retired air traffic controller, operates an aerobatic flight school out of the Kenosha airport in southeast Wisconsin and can smoothly get more out of a Decathlon than anyone I know.

At our membership reception, sponsored by Falcon Insurance, we summarized the successes of the WAC. During the presentation we had a little fun giving WAC Contest Director Phil Knight a telephone call to collectively yell out a big “Thank you, Phil!” Nobody could have done that job better. I know he wasn’t expecting the call, and I think he really got a kick out of it. We also were happy to report that Falcon is very pleased with our portfolio of policies and that we’re doing notably better than other aviation groups in terms of claims. Wow! Let’s keep up the professional attitude that’s making this happen! EAA AirVenture allowed us to have another productive meeting with Sue Gardner, who is the FAA’s National Program Manager for Recreational and Sport Aviation, and she is helping direct a new waiver program that will eventually rely on IAC expertise in the approval process. The IAC’s safety record and good, healthy attitude among our participating membership is what makes programs like this happen. For more than 30 years our members have conducted countless safe events across the country, and this casts us in very favorable light with the FAA. Even though we engage in a very dynamic activity that does have a certain degree of exposure, we enjoy a culture where people care and promote safety of others. You are to be commended.

Since EAA AirVenture, I have started spending more time at the airport with some of our new members in the local area. It’s very gratifying to help them discover and become so enthusiastic about their newly acquired skills. It takes courage and dedication to overcome fear of the unknown, but the reward is most gratifying to all who put in the effort. To share the experiences that our sport fosters is to share in the camaraderie of doing what very few have experienced. I have often told my professional colleagues the IAC is the best-kept secret in aviation. In time and with your help we hope to change this.

Lastly, a small vocal group of citizens in the Northeast have launched a campaign against aircraft noise involving some of our members. This wouldn’t be the first time that legal means were being employed to curtail aviation activity, and it has been a difficult problem in Europe, as well. We will be taking up the development of a common strategy to deal with this and other issues at our fall board meeting. The EAA has been aggressive in helping us in this matter, and I will keep you posted on its progress. In the meantime, please continue to use common sense in your practice habits to limit this type of response. Fly safely and help each other to learn and enjoy aerobatics.