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.

FMI www.wai.org

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."

FMI www.airshows.org

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."

FMI www.eaa.org