All Hail The Aero-Heroes of 2007!

It is both the most "fun," and most difficult, task facing the ANN staff at the end of every year -- determining who, or what, did the most to promote the cause of aviation in the past 365 days... while also chastising those people or entities that did all they could to undermine the many successes the aviation/aerospace community has managed to accomplish.

Thankfully, 2007 was a year in which we saw the best and brightest among us step forward and work tirelessly on behalf of us all. No doubt about it... the challenges we faced in 2007 were numerous, and ongoing... so was the quality of expertise and passion brought to our defense by those who heroically demonstrated to the world the very best side of aviation... via their deeds, words and actions.

It is ANN's honor to recognize a solid dozen of our Aero-Heroes for 2007... in something of an informal order, starting from 12th to the 1st. Let us know what you think of our selections... whom YOU would have liked be included or omitted from such a list. In the meantime, we thank the folks who made this year's list. Thank you, folks... we really needed you this year, and you didn't let us down.

From the Hero's List# 4: GAMA's Pete Bunce/Alan Klapmeier

GA faces enormous challenges in the years ahead... and 2008 may turn out to be a pivotal one, indeed. But, GA in 2008 is going to have something great going for it, the team of GAMA Boss Pete Bunce and incoming 2008 GAMA Chairman, Alan Klapmeier.

GAMA's Pete Bunce has done an exceptional job of guiding GAMA since coming on board in 2005 -- despite having a tough act to follow (Ed Bolen, who went on to take over NBAA). Bunce is a sharp guy, but we're particularly impressed by his wary nature -- he not only seems to be intent on making sure that the 'business-at-hand' is being take care of, but also on keeping an eye on potential threats that are yet to make themselves fully known. Despite his military background, Bunce has a tremendous background, familiarity and grounding in GA and is a major presence in the airshow industry, in particular. Under his leadership, Bunce has assembled and strenghtened a very dedicated staff that has allowed GAMA to preside over quite a bit of GA growth in the last few years. He faces some challenges, though... the legal system is still a major threat to GA, piston single sales seem to be softening somewhat (and were not helped by the Columbia fiasco), there are environmental issues looming -- and let's face it, both the FAA and Congress need to be educated on a daily basis. So far, Pete Bunce is proving to be just the guy to lead the charge... and we're sure as hell glad he's on our side.

Joining him, this year, as the Chairman of GAMA is one of GA's brightest "stars" and we mean that word sincerely. Alan Klapmeier has brought more revolutionary change to the GA world than any other entity and over 3600 Cirrus Design birds are ample proof that the "Kid From Baraboo" not only knew what he was doing... but knew what the industry needed from him in order to make a real contrbuition. Best of all, though, is the fact that Alan is a passionate spokesman for GA... though, his is a voice that is not heard nearly enough.

He has a plain-speaking, folksy style that is genuine, totally devoid of BS and (frankly) fun/entertaining to listen to. GA concerns and issues need to be heard more often and we're hoping that as GAMA Chairman, Alan will be a little less shy and far more outspoken... because wherever he gets a chance to speak, the GA world comes off as exciting, innovative and inviting. No kidding... he's that good. Go to it, Alan... we're counting on great things from you for 2008!

FMI: www.gama.aero, www.cirrusdesign.com