By Jerry Rosie (USUA #A86096)

Welcome to the newest addition to your USUA web site -- a compilation of the news and events gathered from the various USUA club newsletters that are received at USUA Headquarters every month. Many events listed were for the month of May; however, since we’ve just begun this feature, there wasn't enough time to get the word to you. We will endeavor to list the upcoming events two months in advance. As new events are added to the schedule, we will update the list of Upcoming Events on the USUA website.

Sun-n-Fun

Many newsletters reported on the attendance at Sun-N-Fun 2003 in Lakeland, Florida. Comments ranged from very positive, like "The air show was excellent, especially Patty Wagstaff," to a bit derogatory, such as "Attendance was down." and "The prices have gone outta sight!" Still, Sun-n-Fun remains a good place for folks who fly to get together and see some new things and renew old friendships.

Condolences

Two long time USUA members have flown their last sortie. Francis Bashore of the Michigan Ultralight Association and Bill Lewis of the Black Mesa Fliers, Prescott, Arizona both passed away at the end of March. Our thoughts and condolences go out to their families and friends.

Airport Issues

A growing concern across the country is the closure of local airports. Two airports in the spotlight are the airport at Shirley, MA and the Chambersburg, PA Municipal Airport. Doc Coates, editor of the "Crowhopper Times", reports that the current owner of the airport at Shirley, MA (USAF Veteran Dan Florio) hopes to retain a grass strip for the use of ultralighters. However, Florio believes there is no hope of saving the entire airport from encroaching development.

The Millennium Flyers of Chambersburg, PA are seeking the support of ultralighters in south central Pennsylvania. Upon hearing the news that the Borough Council of Chambersburg has voted to sell the Municipal Airport to the highest bidder, the Millennium Flyers have joined with a committee of general aviation pilots and skydivers to explore the possibility of forming an airport authority. The group would then attempt to obtain funding to purchase the property and continue to operate it as an airport. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has indicated full backing and assistance with this project. The group is planning a series of events to increase local support.

Offsetting the airport closure news, "The Sport Flyer" (newsletter of the Georgia Sport Flyers Association) reports that the airport in Calhoun, GA has completed a new terminal building. The new building has lots of additional amenities and the expansion of the airport facilities will include widening the runway to 100 feet and the construction of 28 new hangers.

Ultralighters Are Good Folks

Closing on a positive note, Club #4 (Capitol Area Light Flyers) published a letter that they received from Ms. Diana Harrison, from which I quote:

"It is with sincere thanks and gratitude that I write this letter. In July of 1996, many of you opened your hearts to my family and I and helped support us through the horrible tragedy that took the life of my father, Frank Harrison. . . .

"Many of you not only opened your hearts to my family, but also your wallets. Many contributions were made to a college fund in my name to help pay for my education after high school. Seven years have passed and it is with great pride that I tell all of you that your contributions were not in vain. On May 17, 2003, I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social work from Hood College at the top of my class. . . ."

Well done, Diana, and kudos to all the members of the Capital Area Light Flyers!!

Pilots Just Wanna Have Fun!

My pick for the most interesting and fun event reported in the newsletters goes to "Top Fun Flyers News" of USUA Club #45 in Boise, Idaho. As reported by Steve Clements, their 12 April "Parma IRS Bomb Drop" started off with a graded navigation problem which took the participants to five waypoints, over a timed course, and ended with a tennis ball bomb drop and precision landing event. To offset the stress of this challenge, burgers, drinks, chips, beans, pie, and cake were available to "fuel" overworked pilots. Congrats go to Steve Clements for his first place win in this competitive event. Sounds like a lot of fun!!

Blue Skies to all!