"Never Doubt That A Small Group Of Thoughtful, Committed People Can Change The World. Indeed, It Is The Only Thing That Ever Has." ---  Margaret Mead

Analysis/Opinion by ANN E-I-C Jim Campbell

I've always lived to the beat of a different drummer and never gave into 'the usual' things that others did...

I have enjoyed a unique take on life and have, at every opportunity, defied the conventional wisdom to do things the way that they suited me... and have taken great delight in the way that such an oddball attitude has pervaded every aspect of my life... For instance:

• The 'Best Man' at my wedding was actually my little sister Beth (and even better... the ENTIRE wedding party -- except for Vicki -- wore Tuxes... and yes, the girls looked CUTE);
• Earlier in my life, I was the only Patrol Leader in the entire Boy Scouts of America who held sway over the one and only "Amoeba Patrol";
• And while all the kids in my Sophomore year of high school were working on getting their driver's licenses, I had already soloed gliders, several powered aircraft, was building an airplane in my folk's basement and was working on my Private Pilot's license (and I could do a pretty passable four-point roll long before I mastered parallel parking...). 

'Normal' was for other people... both in terms of the things I wanted to do with my life and the contributions I wanted to make to those I cared about.

Different drummer? You bet your ass...

And now... at fifty four years of age, I'd like to be as unconventional as hell in regards to the contributions that I will make to the world from here on out... especially in a world where hiding one's head in the sand has become the norm. I'm tired of complaining and hoping for results... and I'm even more tired of waiting for someone to step up and implement the change that aviation so very desperately needs to survive. And mind you, if any of you has ANY doubt that this industry is in serious trouble, stop reading now, because what I have to say will be a waste of your time.

So... I've had some deep and thought-provoking discussions with people all over the industry... folks who have demonstrated a love for aviation as well as the professional background to offer solid concrete input to the biggest question that presents itself right now... what can/should we do to save aviation? And over the course of 1000s of emails and conversations as well as some serious thought and planning, I think I have an idea as to how to affect real change in the aviation world, using the true worker-bees of the aero-world... the folks that have put their heart and soul into flying... and usually without getting the credit or recognition they deserve.

OK... so I do have a plan -- and over the next few days, we'll start to address it and publicize its modus operandi... but until then, let's clear the decks of a few issues and set the stage for a major change in the mission and direction of ANN.

The New ANN

There really is a new ANN and its pretty much done and working rather well. It signals a major change in what we do and how we do it, while maintaining our core competence as a real-time news organization AND while also paving the way for additional capabilities and mission parameters. We've played with a number of ideas in the past and never felt we were on the right track until recently... but this new ANN will serve as the FOUNDATION for many great changes and additions to the ANN mission.

We're starting simple... we'll unveil the basic site within a few days and turn on a number of new functions and features as we get a feel for how the new site handles server loads AND as we adapt to the new operational requirements. PLEASE keep in mind that what you will see is nothing more than a FOUNDATION site and that many other additions and accessories are in the works to make sure that the site that defined the aviation online news and information business is even more relevant in the future than it has been in the past.

Editorials With Opposing/Disparate Opinions

We caught a little flak over the last few months for our invitations to a number of aviators with something unique (and occasionally unpopular) to say... and in allowing them to express their ideas and opinions via ANN. The difference in opinion between the concepts many believe in and those of our contributing editorial writers is a purposeful and deliberate move. I have my opinions, and on occasion I voice them... but ANN is about much more than my opinion -- it has be a stage for the ideas, concepts, programs, and proposals that can revolutionize and inspire a renaissance in our industry. In selecting a contributing editorial, we're looking for a few key facets... passion, expertise, thoughtfulness, and insight. I'm not looking for people who agree with me... as a matter of fact I'm usually looking for just the opposite. I'm looking for impassioned aviators to challenge our ideas, inspire new thinking and shake up the status quo... if you want to read pabulum, go log onto another so-called news service... because ANN is about trying out new ideas, looking for real solutions and welcoming distaff opinions that are offered with respect, passion and a true desire to help aviation prosper. I take great joy in original thinking, and that's just what ANN is looking for... so if you have something to say and are willing to put solid thought and creativity into presenting alternative concepts and proposals, please get in touch... ANN wants to hear from you. ANN, like its predecessor print publications, intends to continue to be proof positive that online aviation publications don't have to be boring (though most are). Folks... this isn't AOPA... we actually like to learn from those who disagree with us and have come to find that process as a resource that is not to be passed by.

I have found, again and again, that the greatest lessons I learn come from those things that offer me the greatest challenge... these opinions and editorial efforts, even though you and I might disagree with them, offer us the greatest gift possible... the opportunity to exercise our minds and ideals and see if they stand up to rebuttal. I believe in this... and that is the reason that you will see such opinions and efforts welcomed here... again and again.

Cirrus Aircraft

Something is seriously, desperately wrong with Cirrus Aircraft. In the nearly 2.5 years since Alan Klapmeier was ousted in favor of Bean-Counter/COO Brent Wouters, the once bright shining star that was Cirrus Design, then Cirrus Aircraft has been diminished... and (apparently) on purpose. ANN is nearing the end of an extensive investigation into the dozens of complaints we have had from customers, suppliers, partners, vendors, jet deposit holders, and former staff... and the results are staggering and deeply disturbing. With the China deal on the front burner, it's impossible to say whether this is good deal or a bad deal because of what has transpired so far... but this we know... no good can come from any deal until the true nature and details of the mess that has become Cirrus sees the light of day... and despite numerous threats and acts of harassment by Cirrus against ANN (some of them, admittedly, trying to do pretty severe damage), we WILL tell the story of a company that seems intent on running itself (and much of the rest of GA)  into a ditch.

Aviation, once again, deserves better than this... it deserves the truth, it deserves fair and proper behavior and it deserves to live up to (and by) the standards we once believed to be part of this industry's foundation. This was once one of the most impressive companies in the GA world... it held promise and excitement, it was innovative to ten decimal places, and it gave us great hope for the future of GA. Now, in hands that appear to be mindless of the critical role that they play in the future of aviation and without an apparent need to heed the spirit of what is fair, honest and proper, we see the company continuing to slide down a road that will not just destroy this amazing entity but tarnish much of the aviation world around it. I've dealt with threats, BS, viciousness, fraud, and all manner of ugliness in dealing with Cirrus as the details became more and more evident... and it is only right and proper that the industry understand just what has transpired here. We will tell this story and Brent Wouters' threats, intimidation and interference will not keep us from getting you the truth behind this horrific scandal. I owe you the truth... and you will get it.

By the way; I have been singularly impressed with the recent efforts of Congressman Chip Cravaack. He did something that was sure to create a firestorm in questioning some of the legal aspects of the promised sale and demanding that the matter receive Federal scrutiny. While MN's Liberal media has excoriated him and some of the rest think he's 'interfering' in Cirrus' business, we agree that questions need to be raised and that the matter requires supervision from an entity with the resources to get at the answers. Further; we are particularly impressed that Cravaack truly understands that the folks that are trying to railroad this sale through as soon as possible have much to gain from it... even if others around them might come out the poorer. The questions that the Congressman has raised about that aspect of the sale are both proper and timely. Good for him.

Congressman Chip Cravaack

Diamond Aircraft

We have been monitoring reports about the issues with Diamond Aircraft and financial incentives alleged to have been promised them by the Canadian government to finish the development of the DJet program. The needed funds are now mired in a number of governmental issues and as usual, the process grinds exceedingly slowly... this is most unfortunate. Diamond Aircraft, unlike much of the rest of the industry has more promise than most of the rest of the GA manufacturers as a result of their willingness to embrace new technologies -- and the invaluable experience they have earned in raising the bar for the GA business. Of all the surviving GA manufacturers, Diamond is one of the rare companies with a solid vision for the future and a comprehensive product line that can help rebuild GA as we work our way out of this economic mess... programs like this need to be supported and grown... not stymied by bureaucracy.

GA needs Diamond... it needs solid innovative companies that are not afraid to take risks in order to enhance the state of the art... Diamond is just such a company and no matter who you are, this industry benefits from a stronger, healthier, more innovative Diamond Aircraft. We know that, most of GA knows that... Canada should get with the program.

The Ever-Present SnF Debacle

Lakeland? We weren't there... We had no plans to be. The annual mess at Lakeland, Florida, is no friend of ours or for that matter, the truth and proper practice of journalism -- and to the rest of aviation, as we see it. Over the last few years, we've done our best to throw off the drag inherent in the interference and harassment we've undergone as a result of being the only real journalistic entity with the guts to tell the emperor that he needs a new wardrobe. As a result, they have viciously attacked ANN, its staff and even a few other journalists that weren't willing to knuckle under to their extortionate (IMO) efforts. Still; over the last few years a few things became evident... the event was failing, getting smaller, generating more and more complaints (especially from vendors and long-time attendees), and the newsworthiness of the event was disappearing. Last year, we sent a sent a small crew for a day... and at its end, they called back and said there was little to cover of a truly newsworthy value and that the event simply wasn't worth their time. We agreed. You all know our story with these folks... the greed, the lies they've told, the frauds they have perpetrated on the aviation world... but the simple fact of the matter is this... we deserve better from the folks who claim to be working in our best interests... and a fair amount of honesty and integrity should headline that list. Instead; I've seen lies, fraud, hazards and an arrogance that should have no place in our industry and as a result, Sun n Fun does not deserve our support, our patronage, our coverage, or our involvement... and we recommend that the rest of aviation act likewise. They have so little disregard for YOUR interests that they have lied to us all about safety issues, attendance figures and so much else -- and their attempts to muzzle any dissent is an UnAmerican as it gets (and by the way SnF vendors, what do YOU think of paying them so much money only to see them driving off journalists who want to cover the event honestly? Shouldn't you be getting some of your money back?). They should be ashamed of themselves... and ANN simply won't be a part of it -- and we recommend that no one else be, either. BTW, I am particularly unimpressed with a few of the associations that seek to reap what benefits they can out of the bewildering SnF mess as they can, while telling me that they condemn and disapprove of the SnF ban insinuated some years ago against us for bringing up crucial safety issues. If those associations truly believed this was so wrong, they'd take action to follow through on those so-called convictions... which makes me singularly unimpressed with the current stand by EAA and AOPA on the matter (say one thing and do another)... while being all that more appreciate of two gentlemen, in the past, who actually attempted to make the matter right and acted on their promises to do so -- Paul Poberezny and Phil Boyer... gentlemen of honor.

Finally, we are well aware of the many reports about the substandard way that SnF dealt with the aftermath of the tornado that hit them after three days of state-wide storm and tornado warnings. While the weather is no one's fault, the manner that they dealt with those affected, especially the vendors and aircraft owners most damaged by the influence of Mother Nature, is atrocious. According to a number of on-scene reports, SnF was obviously more interested in saving the Friday gate receipts than assisting in an orderly and proper recovery from the disaster caused by such high winds and violent weather... which once again shows that Lakeland's interests are way off the mark... We heard reports of extensive traffic issues, poor sanitary conditions, aircraft moved (and damaged) without the owner's knowledge or permission, poor attendance, lack of site support, horrific on-site ground traffic management (resulting in aircraft damage and hazards to people), and even abusive behavior on the part of Lakeland PD (not even remotely the first time we've heard of that)... and much more. They should be ashamed of themselves. In the future, we recommend that you patronize an event run by honorable people who care for your well-being and safety... and we do not believe that SnF fits such a description.

That Aero-Fest Idea

So... with Lakeland sliding into obscurity, what does that do to our interest in trying to come up with a replacement event before the damage is all but complete? Well... we've had a lot of support and input from quite a few major players... but we put things on the back burner when the economy tanked so badly.... It did NOT seem to be a great time to raise the money necessary to fund such a project and lay the groundwork for what would obviously be a massive undertaking. Aero-Fest would need to be more than a simple replacement... it would have to be a major step up, it would have to break the mold and truly reinvent the genre, and it would take a fair amount of time and resources to put together.

And it would tax every resource we can bring to bear to make it happen... BUT is it time to dust off the master plan and give it a try? What say you? Is it time to plan an improved/replacement event? And if so, what (in YOUR opinion) needs to be done to raise the bar significantly enough to make such a monumental effort worthwhile (AND successful)? Please tell us what you think...

Alphabet Soup

The Alphabet Associations appear less and less effective by the day. While a few small and tightly dedicated groups do mange to prove their worth (and some quite well -- AEA and ICAS come to mind, among others), one really wonders what the big Alphabet Associations really stand for anymore? We have the Aircraft Re-Registration mess shoved down our throats with barely a whimper from AOPA and the rest... we're going to have to deal with onerous Pilot Licensing and ID restrictions, Airman's Rights (from the Constitutional standpoint) are violated on a daily basis and the FAA's decision-making makes less sense as time wears on... and seems evermore bent on supplicating itself to the whims of political ignorance and/or the 10 second sound byte. None of the associations really seem to be able to make aviation's case to the public anymore and the few attempts we see are outmoded, expensive, rarely produce the desired result, and are kind of like banging one's head against a wall... it only feels better when they stop. Few are willing to acknowledge the sad truth that aviation is in serious decline and that it needs aggressive, possibly even radical, action to save it. Ignoring one's troubles is NOT a solution. Trying to muzzle or interfere with independent aviation media is NOT the answer. Mouthing inane platitudes is not a solution.

Positive, corrective action IS the first step to possible solutions -- and we see so damned little of anything remotely like that... especially from those from whom we need it most... the so-called industry leaders.

And yet, there is a vocal and passionate population of aviators scattered throughout the aviation world... the bloggers, the aero-businesses (who really know bad things are out there), the instructors, the Aero-activists, the whistleblowers, the flying club leaders, airport association leaders... all manner of flyers who won't sit idly by and watch their precious aviation world crash and burn. I have an idea in mind to harness the best of those... to collaborate with EVERYONE with passion and energy, to ally with anyone who wants to ACT in favor of a better future. And I'm going to have a LOT more to say about this, in particular, in the coming days... Hold on to your seats...

Kyle and Amanda

Few stories have had the emotional impact of the tragedy that befell the children of two of aviation's best known airshow ambassadors last month. Kyle Franklin, the son of Jimmy Franklin; and Amanda Younkin, the Daughter of Bobby Younkin (both men having perished in an accident several years back that still stuns those of with a love for the airshow world, to this day); went down in an airshow accident last month after an engine failure forced their beloved Waco down with little time to affect any significant type of controllable impact. Despite that, Kyle did a helluva job and impressed many with the fact that he took advantage of what little time remained to help Amanda get back into the cockpit from her perch on the wing while doing his best to control the impact as much as circumstances allowed.

You all know what happened... the airplane burned, Kyle wasn't badly hurt in the impact but suffered serious burns extricating Amanda from where she was jammed in the Waco... and, as a result, Amanda has suffered horribly. She was left broken, burned, and nearly died as a result of the ensuing tragedy... But her Husband fought his way to her side through the flames.

The long painful process of rebuilding their lives is but a month old... It will take years, at least, to see any real sense of recovery. Amanda has lost most of her fingers, has serious burns and injuries, and is facing many more extensive surgeries and skin grafts. And God Help Kyle... who beyond his own painful recovery, will have to see her through every brutal hour of what's to come. But he'll do it... its what a real man does for the lady in his life and I can only wish them both all the best that I can in my prayers each night and urge each and every one of you to help them... if you can -- via the two charitable programs that have been set up to help them rebuild their lives.

Years ago, I got put in a position, a very weird one, in which I had the split-second chance to avoid harm OR go to the aid of someone I cared about who was about to get REALLY hurt... Because of the way that I was raised, I did what had to be done and got pretty banged up for it all (and yes, she was -- Thank God -- unhurt as a result). I came away with a broken nose, jaw, lost some teeth, the works... and yet, it was the easiest decision in the world to make because I had but seconds to react and followed the instincts of my upbringing -- I did what my Dad/Mom raised me to do. Kyle had more time to deal with what happened... more time to be afraid, to feel the intense pain of the fire, to give into the shock, even to flee out of fear for his own life... and he didn't. He stood his ground and went to his lady's aid. I know just a tiny bit about what kind of courage that takes and I am in awe of this young man... a man that waded into a fire to save his wife and suffered pretty nasty burns and other injuries as a result. While they may be painful and slow to heal, I hope that people will see them someday and know them for what they are... the marks of a hero and a good man... and a boy who was obviously raised right by a good man.

In our mail today, there is a check for $1000 from Sporty's Mike Wolf... it's for Kyle and Amanda, and he's asked me to see that it gets to the right people. It struck me with great force -- and as soon as I regain my composure over this amazing and timely gesture of aero-outreach, it will be on the way to them both. Like Mike, please see what you can do to help them... they are a part of OUR family, our aviation heritage, and a true demonstration of just how spectacularly gifted this community is when it comes to the people who choose to take their place amongst us -- and the skies above. Treat them as if they were your own... because, if you truly love aviation, they ARE family.

How to find info about how YOU might help Kyle and Amanda Franklin

• MOONLIGHT FUND: Long onto www.moonlightfund.org and specify the Kyle & Amanda Franklin Fund. You can also send a check to the Kyle & Amanda Franklin Fund, c/o The Moonlight Fund, PO Box 1299, Bandera TX 78003. The Moonlight Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides 24/7-assistance to burn survivors and their families in their hour of need.
   
• INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF AIR SHOWS FOUNDATION: Log onto www.icasfoundation.org and specify the Kyle & Amanda Fund during the donation process. You may also mail a check or money order to: ICAS Foundation, 750 Miller Drive, Suite F-3, Leesburg, VA 20175. Make your check or money order payable to the ICAS Foundation, and indicate "Kyle and Amanda Fund" in the memo section. You may also donate by credit card call the ICAS Foundation Chairman, Caroline Trinkwalder, at 734-595-0864 or call ICAS headquarters (703-779-8510) with credit card information.

Until Later...

Things are about to change as I'm about to roll the dice and risk EVERYTHING. I've never felt so strongly as I do right now about the path before me. Its no secret that my life has changed greatly since Vicki's death and that after the worst of the shock of outliving someone I'd promised to love forever subsided, I was left with a deep and abiding, even desperate, need to live my life to the fullest (and was already doing pretty good at just that)... not just for me... or in honor of her memory... but for all those people who continue to enrich my life beyond measure. I'm serious, folks... I'm dedicated as all-get-out and I really want to make far more of a difference than I've managed before -- and with the help of those I respect and admire, and with one special angel looking over my shoulder, I might just get the job done. But I have to try... and I invite you ALL to join me in the pursuit. More info to follow...

FMI: What Say You? ANN Wants YOUR Input!