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United States Pilots Association |
Well attended, the USPA flyout/meeting held in Mobile, AL, was both busy and enjoyable. However, still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Ivan (which includes storm damage, shortage of materials and workers—and probably funds—to make necessary repairs) the headquarters hotel was a disappointment for attendees. But the employees were pleasant and courteous, and the location was ideal, allowing for quick access to scheduled tours and WONDERFUL seafood restaurants nearby. And the price was certainly right! We did our share to help get the funds flowing again in the hurricane-ravaged area.
Bringing the Board up to date on the many efforts of the USPA “Go Team,” President Steve Uslan had a long laundry list of completed and “in process” projects in support of GA. He pledged continued efforts, and solicited assistance of more help on association projects. The minutes of the Members’ Meeting (held Friday) and the Board Meeting (held Saturday) will soon be posted on the USPA website: www.uspilots.org.
Among the highlights of the weekend were an outstanding Thursday evening Safety Seminar, featuring Don Kirkpatrick of Teledyne-Continental, who imparted worlds of knowledge about aircraft engines, their operation, and maintenance. Friday was a continuation of the worthwhile education, as the group toured the Teledyne-Continental plant, located nearby. Those with Continental engines—or thinking of getting one—were very impressed with their products.
Saturday afternoon everyone got his daily dose of exercise, as we all spent the afternoon and evening touring the MANY displays of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, which included not only the Alabama, but the Submarine USS Drum, 24 historic aircraft, VietNam and Korean Veteran Memorials, and armored tanks and vehicles. Continuing our touring past park closing hours, USPA gathered for a delicious dinner in the Wardroom of the USS Alabama, where we were also treated to interesting facts about the battleship, delivered to us by the 16-year old grandson of USPA Treasurer Lew Welch. You wouldn’t believe Grant is only 16, as this very mature young man has a serious interest in so many things.
With rain showers threatening to move into the Mobile area from the west, most departed the area right after breakfast on Sunday morning. Our flight home in my plane was smooth and fast (a tailwind both ways, actually). And we’ll be watching for pictures of the weekend event in both America’s Flyways magazine and on the USPA website.
Don’t miss the next great USPA event, which will include the annual membership meeting, and will be held in Pueblo, CO, June 2-5. With plenty to see and do in that beautiful part of the world, our visit will include (in addition to the San Antonio-like riverwalk) touring the B-24 Museum (with about 24 WWII planes), an FAA Safety Seminar, a cowboy buffet, and final planning for the USPA flight to Alaska guided by USPA VP Bob Worthington. Even those not making the Alaska trip will want to attend the planning session for the benefit of possible future trips to Alaska.
USPA continues to work hard for GA in many ways. Come to Pueblo and be a part of the solution, and have a good flight and enjoyable time in the process!
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association