"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...