All Hail The Aero-Heroes of 2007!
It is both the most "fun," and most difficult, task facing the
ANN staff at the end of every year -- determining who, or what, did
the most to promote the cause of aviation in the past 365 days...
while also chastising those people or entities that did all they
could to undermine the many successes the aviation/aerospace
community has managed to accomplish.
Thankfully, 2007 was a year in which we saw the best and
brightest among us step forward and work tirelessly on behalf of us
all. No doubt about it... the challenges we faced in 2007 were
numerous, and ongoing... so was the quality of expertise and
passion brought to our defense by those who heroically demonstrated
to the world the very best side of aviation... via their deeds,
words and actions.
It is ANN's honor to recognize a solid dozen of our Aero-Heroes
for 2007... in something of an informal order, starting from 12th
to the 1st. Let us know what you think of our selections... whom
YOU would have liked be included or omitted from such a list. In
the meantime, we thank the folks who made this year's list. Thank
you, folks... we really needed you this year, and you didn't let us
down.
From the Hero's List# 4: GAMA's Pete Bunce/Alan Klapmeier
GA faces enormous challenges in the years ahead... and 2008 may
turn out to be a pivotal one, indeed. But, GA in 2008 is going to
have something great going for it, the team of GAMA Boss Pete Bunce
and incoming 2008 GAMA Chairman, Alan Klapmeier.
GAMA's Pete Bunce has done an exceptional job of guiding GAMA
since coming on board in 2005 -- despite having a tough act to
follow (Ed Bolen, who went on to take over NBAA). Bunce is a sharp
guy, but we're particularly impressed by his wary nature --
he not only seems to be intent on making sure that the
'business-at-hand' is being take care of, but also on keeping an
eye on potential threats that are yet to make themselves fully
known. Despite his military background, Bunce has a tremendous
background, familiarity and grounding in GA and is a major presence
in the airshow industry, in particular. Under his leadership, Bunce
has assembled and strenghtened a very dedicated staff that has
allowed GAMA to preside over quite a bit of GA growth in the last
few years. He faces some challenges, though... the legal system is
still a major threat to GA, piston single sales seem to be
softening somewhat (and were not helped by the Columbia fiasco),
there are environmental issues looming -- and let's face it, both
the FAA and Congress need to be educated on a daily basis. So far,
Pete Bunce is proving to be just the guy to lead the charge... and
we're sure as hell glad he's on our side.
Joining him, this year, as the Chairman of GAMA is one of GA's
brightest "stars" and we mean that word sincerely. Alan Klapmeier
has brought more revolutionary change to the GA world than any
other entity and over 3600 Cirrus Design birds are ample proof that
the "Kid From Baraboo" not only knew what he was doing... but knew
what the industry needed from him in order to make a real
contrbuition. Best of all, though, is the fact that Alan is a
passionate spokesman for GA... though, his is a voice that is
not heard nearly enough.
He has a plain-speaking, folksy style that is genuine, totally
devoid of BS and (frankly) fun/entertaining to listen to. GA
concerns and issues need to be heard more often and we're hoping
that as GAMA Chairman, Alan will be a little less shy and far more
outspoken... because wherever he gets a chance to speak, the GA
world comes off as exciting, innovative and inviting. No kidding...
he's that good. Go to it, Alan... we're counting on great things
from you for 2008!
ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (04.16.24)
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