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United States Pilots Association |
Well attended, the USPA flyout/meeting held in Mobile, AL, was both busy and enjoyable. However, still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Ivan (which includes storm damage, shortage of materials and workers—and probably funds—to make necessary repairs) the headquarters hotel was a disappointment for attendees. But the employees were pleasant and courteous, and the location was ideal, allowing for quick access to scheduled tours and WONDERFUL seafood restaurants nearby. And the price was certainly right! We did our share to help get the funds flowing again in the hurricane-ravaged area.
Bringing the Board up to date on the many efforts of the USPA “Go Team,” President Steve Uslan had a long laundry list of completed and “in process” projects in support of GA. He pledged continued efforts, and solicited assistance of more help on association projects. The minutes of the Members’ Meeting (held Friday) and the Board Meeting (held Saturday) will soon be posted on the USPA website: www.uspilots.org.
Among the highlights of the weekend were an outstanding Thursday evening Safety Seminar, featuring Don Kirkpatrick of Teledyne-Continental, who imparted worlds of knowledge about aircraft engines, their operation, and maintenance. Friday was a continuation of the worthwhile education, as the group toured the Teledyne-Continental plant, located nearby. Those with Continental engines—or thinking of getting one—were very impressed with their products.
Saturday afternoon everyone got his daily dose of exercise, as we all spent the afternoon and evening touring the MANY displays of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, which included not only the Alabama, but the Submarine USS Drum, 24 historic aircraft, VietNam and Korean Veteran Memorials, and armored tanks and vehicles. Continuing our touring past park closing hours, USPA gathered for a delicious dinner in the Wardroom of the USS Alabama, where we were also treated to interesting facts about the battleship, delivered to us by the 16-year old grandson of USPA Treasurer Lew Welch. You wouldn’t believe Grant is only 16, as this very mature young man has a serious interest in so many things.
With rain showers threatening to move into the Mobile area from the west, most departed the area right after breakfast on Sunday morning. Our flight home in my plane was smooth and fast (a tailwind both ways, actually). And we’ll be watching for pictures of the weekend event in both America’s Flyways magazine and on the USPA website.
Don’t miss the next great USPA event, which will include the annual membership meeting, and will be held in Pueblo, CO, June 2-5. With plenty to see and do in that beautiful part of the world, our visit will include (in addition to the San Antonio-like riverwalk) touring the B-24 Museum (with about 24 WWII planes), an FAA Safety Seminar, a cowboy buffet, and final planning for the USPA flight to Alaska guided by USPA VP Bob Worthington. Even those not making the Alaska trip will want to attend the planning session for the benefit of possible future trips to Alaska.
USPA continues to work hard for GA in many ways. Come to Pueblo and be a part of the solution, and have a good flight and enjoyable time in the process!
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
The 3rd annual Gulf Coast Wings Weekend is coming June 3-4, 2005!
Friday and Saturday at the beautiful Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas.
Over 70 hours of Safety Training Wings Seminars - FREE!
1-3 Hours of Flight Instruction - FREE
(That's right, FREE Flight Instruction)
Discounted admission to the Lone Star Flight Museum
Discounted hotel rates at the Moody Gardens Hotel
Discounted fuel at KGLS for fly in participants
Discounted FIRC (Flight Instructor Refresher Course)
Saturday Evening Gourmet BBQ at the LSF Museum
Special guest speakers John and Martha King
(They're bringing their jet from San Diego)
Door prizes, Special Surprises and much much more!
Sponsors:
Texas Department of Transportation
San Jacinto College
Houston ARTCC
Moody Gardens
Scholes Field
Lone Star Flight Museum
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!!
June 3-4, 2005
Terence Jarog President
Texas Pilots Association
Inadvertently left off the NDB email newsletter was the deadline for public comment, which is April 4.
Sorry about that!
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
The FAA has published a list of 479 NDB approaches under consideration for cancellation due to insufficient use and redundancy. If you wish to review the list and express your concern for any particular approaches, go to http://download.aopa.org/epilot/2005/050304ndb_list.pdf for the list. And then email your comments to debra.e.Sullivan@faa.gov.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
If you haven’t already registered for the March 17-20 USPA Flyout/Meeting, there is still time, but you must hurry!
We’re planning a great time of aviation fun and fellowship, along with some very important business. Don Fitzgerald of Teledyne Continental Motors will speak to us at the Thursday evening safety seminar, and there will be attendance prize drawings. Friday includes a tour of the Teledyne Continental engine remanufacturing factory, and Saturday features a tour of the BB-60 Battleship Alabama, SS-228 Submarine USSS Drum, and the Aviation Museum, including dinner in the Officers Ward Room on board the Alabama.
If you are a USPA board member and won’t be attending, PLEASE SEND IN YOUR PROXY NOW! Only with a quorum represented by your presence or your proxy can we conduct official organization business. A proxy form is included in this email.
The flyout/meeting registration form is available at www.uspilots.org. Just click on the link at the top left corner of the opening page.
See you Mobile!
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Preliminary NTSB data for 2004 shows GA accidents lowest since record-keeping began in 1938 (declining 8.4% over 2003), and the lowest number of fatal accidents since 1945 (declining 11.4%). The 17 fatal instructional accidents in 2004 was half the total of 2003 (down almost 12%).
USPA is proud to continually support and conduct Safety Seminars and Wings Weekends in many locations through the U.S. Even one accident is one too many.
When was your last Wings ride?
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
Two very important and positive issues for aviation in Missouri are within Senate Bill No. 396, introduced by Senator Jason Crowell of Cape Girardeau.
The legislation extends the jet fuel sales tax collection date from 12/31/08 to 12/31/13, and it increases the state participation level in control tower operations funding from $125,000 annually to $167,000 annually.
If you live in Missouri, please contact your state Senator and State Representative if you support this legislation.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association