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United States Pilots Association |
The Missouri Pilots Association Annual Convention, sponsored by the Southwest Missouri Chapter, and held in Neosho, MO, last weekend was indeed one never to be forgotten. With the assistance of his members, Chapter President Mike Curtis took it upon himself to put on a convention unlike any others before. And to highlight the event, he engaged speakers outstanding in the field of aviation: Dick Rutan, famed around-the-world Voyager flyer and test pilot, and Dr. Carlene Mendieta, who duplicated Amelia Earhardt’s 5,500 mile flight across the U.S. Both brought fascinating stories of their exploits to a packed hangar on the Neosho Airport Saturday night.
In addition to outstanding programs, the convention included EAA Young Eagles flights which totaled 126 for the weekend. There was a static display, many door prizes including an Anywhere Map GPS, booths, food, and a gathering of motor cycles and antique cars, to which the public and press were invited. Unfortunately, Mother Nature prevailed with Saturday afternoon storms, putting a damper on outside activities for a time. But all who attended agreed that Mike and the SW MO Chapter had gone where none have gone before—an outstanding convention to long be remembered.
Thanks, Mike and the SW MO Chapter for your hard work in putting together an outstanding MPA convention!
The pictures below is Past USPA President Paul Hough hugging Amelia.
Jan Hoynacki, Executive Director
United States Pilots Association
