Lancair Builders, Flyers, And Fans... Unite!
Aero-News received word this week about the creation of LOBO --
the Lancair Owners and Builders Organization, a new support group
representing Lancair aircraft enthusiasts.
LOBO is the end result of a group of Lancair owners and builders
who believe their community faces major challenges best met with an
organized, united membership speaking with one voice. LOBO seeks
fellow Lancair aircraft enthusiasts to build an active, involved
membership and realize its vision and rather ambitious goals.
The Lancair Owners and Builders
Organization was co-founded by Jeff Edwards, Robert Pastusek,
Claudette Colwell, John Halle and (in the interest of full
disclosure, former ANN staffer) Mark Sletten. The group's primary
goal is to promote the safe use and enjoyment of Lancair aircraft
through education, training and fellowship.
Additionally, LOBO safeguards and furthers its members'
interests with regulatory agencies, the general aviation community
and the public at large.
"LOBO is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to
promote the safe use and enjoyment of Lancair aircraft of all
types, with an emphasis on owner, operator and builder education
and training," said Edwards. "We will build partnerships to enhance
communication and cooperation between our members, Lancair
International Inc., aviation training and insurance providers,
manufacturers supporting Lancair aircraft, regulatory agencies and
the wider general aviation community."
Representatives with the group tell ANN that LOBO has been
endorsed by Joe Bartels, owner of Lancair International Inc. News
of the group's planned formation also received an "enthusiastic"
reaction from the majority of attendees at the annual
factory-sponsored Lancair fly-in at Hot Springs, AR.
"We believe strongly in improving and enhancing Lancair aircraft
safety through training. Coupled with better communication between
our members and insurance providers, improved safety will help our
members better control skyrocketing operating costs," said
Pastusek. "LOBO will also work closely with the FAA and other
regulatory bodies, both US and international, to avoid intrusive
rules that might affect our membership."
"LOBO encourages the safe enjoyment of Lancair aircraft through
the fellowship of Lancair enthusiasts," added Colwell. "To do that,
we will plan and organize membership-supported fly-ins, meetings,
forums, symposiums and other gatherings. And all of our gatherings
will be open to the public so we can share our appreciation of
these fine aircraft with the wider general aviation community."