USPA News

CHANGE?

Now, let us see. It is two weeks after the Presidential election, and look who has just been appointed to President Elect Obama's team. Why, it is none other than Jane (universally despised by the FAA, pilots, and aircraft owners) Garvey. We all fondly remember Ms. Garvey as the first woman Administrator of the FAA, who was appointed by Bill Clinton. She lasted five years--well into George Bush's presidency. She could do nothing right. She is an advocate of user fees (contrary to Obama's stated position in AOPA's magazine). Rumor has it she will be appointed Secretary of Transportation (over the FAA Administrator) as soon as the new president is inaugurated. I am beginning to see how this will all work. Promise everybody what they want to hear and then ignore those promises and forge ahead with the same old tried and proven worthless ideas of the past. What a great combination to look forward to. Jane Garvey, failing aircraft manufacturers, still high fuel prices, nobody lending on airplanes, and the loss of even more equity in our existing planes as the used market shrinks even further.

Here is another tip for you all. Watch what the insurance industry does to renewal prices after the first of the new year. Insurers have lost their investment income. You can guess how they will try to compensate for that income reduction.

Now that's change we can all live with!

Steve Uslan, President
United States Pilots Association

MPA MEMBER IN FATAL ACCIDENT

MPA member Jerry L. Smith, who was also the son of MPA Past President Mickey Pinkston, died in his Cessna 177 last Tuesday while flying near Mena, Arkansas. Here is the report as presented by AVwebFlash:

Jerry Smith, regional sales manager for the Garmin's aviation division in the south and central U.S., died on Tuesday in an accident, while piloting his personal airplane on business. Smith was flying his Cessna Cardinal 177 when he crashed near Rich Mountain, in Mena, Ark. He was a commercial pilot with instrument, multi-engine and instructor (CFII and MEI) ratings, and over 20,000 hours of flight time. He was well-known in the industry, with over 40 years of experience. He had been with Garmin since 1994, where he was one of the first aviation sales managers hired by the company. Previously, he worked at BF Goodrich Aerospace, where he did research flying for Stormscope, as well as TCAS, King Radio, and others. "Beyond his professional contributions, even more sorely missed will be his zest for life and sense of humor, which everyone will remember," Garmin said in a news release. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Jerry's family, friends, co-workers and customers as their lives have been changed forever by this tragic event." The cause is still unknown, Garmin said on Wednesday, but the NTSB and FAA are investigating and Garmin has offered its full support.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Smith and Pinkston families. I had the privilege of calling Jerry a friend, and I, too, will miss him.

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association

MICKEY GILLEY UPDATE

Because so many of us met Mickey at our MPA/USPA annual meeting in Branson last May, I thought you might like to see that he's going gangbusters! Our fellow pilot Mickey was obviously not well when he spoke to us this spring.
But being the "show must go on" trooper that he is, he kept his commitment to us nevertheless. I don't know if he'll ever be flying again. But I do know that he made a lot of new pilot friends at our meeting in May.

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA

ALLIANCE UPDATE

From: Alliance for Aviation Across America
To: Steve Uslan
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 10:14 AM
Subject: Update from the Alliance

Dear Steve,
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, and for your dedication to keeping America’s skies free and safe for all Americans. Here are some updates on the Alliance’s recent activities, and information on how you can work with us to protect general aviation.

Alliance Election Update

Over the past year, we have worked with Alliance members like you to get out our message and urge Congress to reject the airlines’ efforts to impose user fees on general aviation. Now, with only five days left until the election, it is more important than ever that you work with us to get out our message to candidates around the country about the importance of general aviation to our communities and our economy. If you know of campaign events or rallies where you could distribute pamphlets or posters, please email jessica@aviationacrossamerica.com or call us at (202) 223-9523 so we can send you the necessary materials.

Alliance Presentations at NBAA, AASHTO

Over the past month, Joe McLean, who recently joined the Alliance as Executive Director, and Selena Shilad, recently gave presentations about the Alliance at NBAA’s annual convention in Orlando, as well as at AASHTO’s regional board meeting in Hartford, CT. McLean, a long-time pilot and seasoned campaign operative, brings extensive business experience and political acumen to the Alliance, and is proud to join the leadership team.

We Need Your Help – Tell Us Your Story!

When taking the fight to protect GA to lawmakers and to the media, your personal stories have always been our best tool in emphasizing general aviation’s role as a lifeline to small towns and communities around the country. Over the coming months, we are going to be working to highlight testimonials from YOU, our Alliance members that highlight your business or organization, the importance of your organization to the local community and economy, and how the recent financial crisis has impacted your flying.

WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!! These testimonials will be crucial as we gear up for a new Congress and a new Administration, so please email the Alliance at info@aviationacrossamerica.com so we can take your message to policy makers in Washington.

Again, thank you for your continuing support of the Alliance and general aviation.

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

The USPA board met at Lake of the Ozarks last Thursday through Sunday. It was beautiful fall weather, and we had the wonderful opportunity to enjoy the lovely colors and a touch of changing weather. VP Candy Stewart put this meeting together, and we thank her for a convenient location and plenty of enjoyable local activities. (Ask Secretary Pam Uslan if she enjoyed the Haunted Hotel!)

There was also a special members’ meeting conducted to consider a bylaws change to reduce the number of required board meetings from four to three per year. This change was approved.

VP for Meetings Bob Worthington reported on the March 12-15, 2009, meeting he’s working on which will be held in Tyler, TX, in conjunction with an aviation museum and local schools. The meeting after that will be in Branson, MO, May 7-10, co-oping with the annual meeting of the Missouri Pilots Association, featuring an air show at the opening of the Branson Airport.

Please remember that all USPA members (including state affiliated members) are welcome and heartily invited to attend the USPA board meetings. The meetings are not just for board members.

Nominating Committee Chairman Paul Hough requests hearing from any members who are interested in officer or committee positions on the USPA board. Please contact Paul at jan@uspilots.org or at 417 338-2225.

Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
USPA