How Was The Year For Your Organization?

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.

FMI www.wai.org

International Council of Air Shows (ICAS)

John Cudahy, President of ICAS, supplied the look back and forward: 2004 "The North American air show community prospered during its first 'normal' year since the 2000 season. Though operational requirements sometimes limited the availability of US military aircraft for static display and though weather presented significant challenges in some air show locations, US and Canadian shows generally reported higher than normal attendance and increased interest from corporate sponsors. The 2004 air show season will be remembered for the launch of the new ICAS North American corporate partnership program, an increased emphasis on strong marketing by air show organizers and the introduction of several and exciting air shows."

FMI www.airshows.org

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

Phil Boyer, President of AOPA gave ANN the scoop: During the heavy campaigning AOPA tried to give members in the vicinity of TFRs as much notice as possible whenever such a restriction was issued. Four million e-mails were sent out about the 190 or so temporary TFRs that popped up. There were 16 semi-permanent TFRs, what that were put in place after 9-11. AOPA was able to have 14 rescinded. Only two remain in the Puget Sound (WA) area.

FMI www.aopa.org

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 

Tom Poberezny, president of EAA, said,  "Looking back at 2004, one thing that strikes me is how this first year of aviation's second century truly became a significant milestone for aviation's future. 2003 recognized the first 100 years of powered flight. Many people thought it might be tough to top the highlights of the centennial of flight year. In 2004 there were developments that propelled us forward."

"A major highlight of the year was the final approval and enactment of the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule. After working on this for more than a decade, we at EAA are very enthusiastic about what sport pilot means for the future of recreational aviation."

"This fall we saw the remarkable achievement of a group of EAA members and others, led by Burt Rutan and Mike Melvill, as they reached the edge of space in SpaceShipOne. The group not only won the $10 million Ansari X Prize, but showed what private innovation can accomplish.

"2004 also marked the continuing growth of EAA's Young Eagles Program," he continued, "which added another 100,000 young people to the World's Largest Logbook. That high level of participation by EAA volunteer pilots and ground crews showed how highly regarded this program is throughout aviation."

FMI: www.eaa.org