What's In Store For 2005?
By ANN Correspondent Aleta Vinas
An aviation organization's work is never done. ANN asked about
what was accomplished (or not) during 2004 plus a look ahead at
what's up in 2005. Here's what they told us:
Women in Aviation International (WAI)
Dr. Peggy Chabrian,
President of WAI, shared the following: During 2004 Women in
Aviation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United
States Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Looking into 2005, WAI will be starting a new membership campaign.
There will be an increase in member benefits, including a special
agreement with Falcon Insurance Company for discounted aircraft
renter's insurance. Some of the groups WAI intends to target for
membership are military folk, Air Traffic Control, Flight
Attendants and aerospace engineers. WAI is increasing its formal
educational initiatives and outreach to youth, especially the Girl
Scouts.
WAI's more than 35 Chapters, national and international, are the
heart of the organization's community outreach, and continue to
grow in number each year. This year's Annual International
Conference will be held in Dallas (TX) March 10-12, 2005, where the
organization intends to award more than $400,000 in scholarships,
and induct five new honorees into the Women in Aviation Pioneer
Hall of Fame.
International Council of Air Shows (ICAS)
"For the air show
community, 2005 is likely to be even stronger than the very
successful 2004 air show season," said ICAS President John Cudahy.
More than 225 communities in the US and Canada have already set
dates for their 2005 shows with another 40-50 likely to do so
within the next few weeks. The general increase in interest among
prospective corporate sponsors is likely to produce some specific
announcements during the first quarter of 2005. A number of nagging
regulatory and governmental problems and challenges are likely to
be solved before the beginning of this year's air show season. And
interest in air shows as a safe, educational family entertainment
event has never been higher."
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
"What's ahead for
2005?" asked EAA President Tom Pobarezney. "It will be a year where
we can start to measure the opportunities fostered by the sport
pilot revolution. It won't happen all at once, but we will begin to
see the potential in this area realized."
"I'm also excited about the possibilities resulting from the
innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that exists within EAA's
membership. That spirit will help open doors to aviation access. It
will allow more people to participate and pursue their aviation
passion."
"I'm proud of the role EAA has played in creating the many ways
people can get involved in aviation. Participation, innovation, and
breaking down the barriers of time and money that may hinder
people's dreams of flight will be EAA's major focus during
2005."