On February 25th & 26th 2005, the United States Ultralight Association held it's 2005 Board Of Directors Meeting, Annual Member Meeting and Awards Ceremony in Springfield Illinois. These meetings were attended by USUA Staff, Regional Representatives, Directors and USUA members from all across the country. Held in conjunction with the 25th Annual Illinois Ultralight Advisory Council Ultralight/Lightplane Safety Seminar, these USUA meetings provided an opportunity for members to comment and observe the workings of their organization, honor those in our sport who have achieved special recognition, and receive safety information from the giants of the Ultralight industry. This is the second year that this specific venue and location was selected by USUA, and because of the appeal of the Safety Seminar, and the central location (Midwest) it proved to once again, be very successful.
Friday, February 25th:
USUA Board Of Directors, Headquarters Staff, and Regional Representatives met in closed sessions to discuss member issues. In attendance were Dennis Gregory (Region 2 Representative), Bob McComb (Region 3 Representative), Paul Wells (Region 5 Representative, and Director), Dave Ahlberg (Region 6 Representative), Tim Oliver (Region 7 Representative), Bob Chase (Region 11 Representative), and USUA Directors Reggie DeLoach (President), Bob Comperini (Vice President), Skip Little (Secretary), Jim Sweeney (Treasurer), Art Greenfield (Ex-Officio for NAA), and Paul Wells (Ex-Officio for the Regional Reps). USUA Staff in attendance were USUA Executive Vice President Dale Hooper, and Financial Administrator Carol Plotnick.
The groups sequestered themselves, and coordinated reports detailing members comments and concerns, USUA policy, and proposed USUA involvement in new and existing programs. Then, they met in combined session to present their data, and interact. As will be described later, the keyword this year was: INTERACT.
What Goes on, And How It Works:
Regional Representatives: In order to effectively represent the Ultralight interests of a country as large and diverse as the USA, The United States Ultralight Association has divided the country into 12 regions. Each of these regions is represented by an elected USUA member, a Regional Representative. The task of a Regional Rep is two-fold. First, they must represent the member's interest from their geographical location, to USUA. Throughout the year, by attending local club activities, and visiting with members one-on-one, questions, concerns, praise, criticism and requests are posed to the Regional Reps. Certain local issues concerning age old problems such as airport access, air space dilemmas, safety and training issues and competition activities are discussed and noted by the representative. Also, members are never shy about providing suggestions and critique of the organization. These too are also added to the list of topics to be discussed and reviewed by USUA. Then, just before they leave their homes to travel to the Annual Meeting, the Regional Rep makes many phone calls, sends countless emails, and mails dozens of letters to USUA Clubs and members, asking for any last minute updates to their list. These matters are presented to the USUA Board Of Directors and Staff at the Annual Meeting as part of the individual Regional Report. These problems and suggestions are also presented to the Regional Rep group at the meeting, and collected into a combined list of recommendations proposed as action items for the Board Of Director's consideration.
Second, the Regional Reps must represent the organization to the members. By attending this meeting, and by participating in discussion groups throughout the year, USUA gives this group of highly dedicated (the position of Rep is a voluntary one- they receive no pay for their efforts) and concerned individuals, information and responsibilities that they must take home to their member constituency. They must make sure that the information entrusted to them, be presented accurately and without delay. By contacting the local clubs, and members individually, they are able to share first-hand knowledge and data that will help USUA members take fullest advantage of their member benefits. Information concerning new programs, changes to existing programs, and up-to-date essential information are relayed from USUA HQ to the local members. In this way, there is always a localized point of access to and from the organization.
Board Of Directors: The USUA BOD has been charged with overseeing the organization. Decisions concerning programs and activities endorsed by USUA, as well as providing USUA executives and staff with guidance and clear direction are vital to this task. Directors shape the face of the organization, and make available the resources needed to provide USUA members with the types of services they need, and want. USUA directors, like the Regional Reps, are also volunteers (receive no payment for their services). They provide this invaluable service to members because of their love of the sport of Ultralighting, and their dedication to USUA. Many concerns face the directors every day. Liability issues, financial matters, and concerns of every shape and description are constant factors in the decisions facing the USUA Board Of Directors. The Annual Meeting is their opportunity to actively discuss and enact on decisions that affect members, and ultimately, the sport of Ultralighting in the US.
USUA Staff: The USUA Headquarters office staff is responsible for the operations and success of the services that have been requested by the members and Regional Reps, approved by the Directors, and made possible by membership dues. From the seemingly simple printing and mailing of a membership card, to the decidedly more difficult creation and administration of programs (training, insurance, competition, etc.), the USUA HQ staff is involved in the day-to-day operations of your organization. HQ Staff also resolves problems ranging from missed magazines, to situations requiring legal council and written support of member's issues to FAA representatives. Member services provide the reason for joining and renewing membership in USUA, and staff is assigned the responsibility of maintaining those services. USUA employs three full time paid employees, and one part time employee. These four individuals help support thousands of USUA members.
Putting It All Together In 2005
Since 1985, USUA has been evolving. We have gone through several years of growth/non-growth, financial difficulties and restoration, and political posturing. It has been, at times, difficult. But in the past few years, USUA has experienced a rebirth. By consciously listening to (and acting on) member sentiment, and evaluating new ideas, USUA has become considerably more responsive to our members. And, by applying this concept to USUA's decision making process, this year the BOD stepped out and raised the bar one more level.
Normally, as a result of the Regional Rep recommendations, the BOD would go back into closed session and vote on those recommendations. Later, notice would be given as to the approval/disapproval of the proposals. The 2005 meeting was different. The BOD had some ideas and questions of their own for the Reps. With all (BOD RegReps and staff) at the same table (at the same time), the board shared their questions and suggestions, the Reps shared their proposals, and with only one idea not on both lists- both were identical. Discussions continued with hard questions being discussed, and when precise legal clarification was required for resolution, USUA council was consulted via cell phone. Prior to voting on several topics, the BOD asked for, received, and responded accordingly to direct Regional Rep input.
Then, in another unprecedented move, the USUA board voted publicly in the presence of all, showing the confidence and integrity of the decisions. These groundbreaking precedents resulted in an overwhelming feeling of respect and understanding between all involved that had never before existed in this arena. While all answers obviously cannot be answered "yes", the process involved in creating and supporting membership programs is open, and understandable to those who represent our members. The concept that members come first is alive and well in USUA. This spirit was further identified during the next evening's Member Meeting and Award Ceremony, when USUA entertained member comments, questions and criticism from the floor.
USUA's newest Regional Representative, Dave Ahlberg (Region 6) had this to say about the events: "As the new guy on the block, I didn't quite know what to expect at the annual meetings. I was quite determined to be heard on one point though: I felt USUA needed to be more open and responsive to the members than ever before in its history. I needn't have worried. A fresh breeze of communication is blowing through the entire organization of USUA. Nothing is sacred except service to the members. The mere fact that with only one exception, all of the list of concerns of the Board of Directors matched exactly with the list of concerns of the members, as related by the Regional Representatives, should let everyone know that USUA is a 100% member driven organization. You can expect great things from your aviation organization!
Paul Wells (Region 5 Representative, and USUA Director) put it this way: "Sometimes things seem so simple but sometimes we make it so hard. I'm speaking about the interaction between the BOD, Regional Representatives and Staff of the USUA. Houston, we found the problem, and... it was so simple. Someone had the bright idea to just bring everyone together and ask for their thoughts, all at the same time. No "he said, she said, they said, just good ol head scratching and brain storming. I think everyone was under the influence that you can't put that many people in the same room at one time and agree on anything. Well, things couldn't have been better this year and I hope we will enact this new policy for bringing everyone together in future years."
Saturday, February 26th
Immediately following the Safety Seminar, USUA held it's Annual Member Meeting. This meeting is open to all USUA members and interested parties, and provides (as required by USUA bylaws and Maryland State law), the opportunity for critical financial reports and other information affecting members to be made public.
Following a cordial welcome by USUA President, Reggie DeLoach, a brief history of USUA (coincidentally a history of Ultralighting as well...) was detailed by Executive Vice President Dale Hooper. Financial Administrator Carol Plotnick then took the stage and gave the financial report. USUA was very happy to announce that once again, for the second year in a row, USUA reported a profit. This, after years of debt, was welcome news to all.
Next, the Regional Representative reports (that were given to the USUA Board Of Directors on the previous day) were shared with the membership. As each representative gave his report, demographics for their region showing the number of USUA members and clubs, as well as pilots instructors and vehicles registered with USUA, were displayed on the large screen for all to see.
After a short break, which allowed members, BOD, Regional Reps and staff to relax and have some dinner, the 15th Annual USUA Ultralight Awards were presented.
Each year, USUA honors individuals, clubs and businesses that have made a positive impact on the Ultralighting environment in this country, or have provided a special service to USUA. This years award recipients were:
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| Bob Chase - Click photo to view full sized image |
Regional Rep Of The Year 2004: Bob Chase - Each year, the Regional Representatives honor one of their own. The recipient of this award epitomizes
the spirit of service to USUA members by representing his constituents, and USUA to the region in which they serve.
Meritorious Service Award 2004: Tony Anderson - For his excellent work with USUA members and FAA relations in Region 4. Recognizing those who have demonstrated an exceptional level of service to the direct benefit of USUA.
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| Eddie Johnson - Click photo to view full sized image |
Ultralight Industry Award 2004: Powrachute Corporation - Accepted by Eddie Johnson. Once again (for the second year in a row), Powrachute exemplified
how an Ultralight business can make a positive impact not only for Ultralighters, but also to the local community.
This award recognizes The Manufacturer, Business Or Corporation who has demonstrated an exceptional level of service to the
Ultralight Community, as Well as the Local Community in which it operates.
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| Kathy Ridgeway - Click photo to view full sized image |
Club Of The Year 2004: USUA Club 201 Millennium Flyers from Chambersburg PA - accepted by Kathy Ridgeway. By using the Ultralight Clubs
activities to generate donations and support for Operation Angel Flight, The Millennium Flyers are Flying High!
This award recognizes The USUA Club who has demonstrated an exceptional level of service to the Ultralight Community, as Well
as the Local Community in which it operates.
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| Mike Plotnick - Click photo to view full sized image |
Volunteer Of The Year 2004: Mike Plotnick - If you have been to any of USUA major exhibitions in the past several years, you've met Mike. He's
been running the exhibit at Sun N Fun and the Annual Meeting for quite a while.
This award recognizes the USUA member whose volunteer service has contributed to the direct benefit of USUA.
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| Roy Beisswenger - Click photo to view full sized image |
Communication Award 2004: Ultraflight Radio - Accepted by Roy Beisswenger- By fusing the power of the Internet, with in depth and community
oriented interviews and reporting, Ultraflight Radio has set established a new threshold in communication.
Listeners from all over the planet can listen and participate in real-time discussions, or choose to listen at a
time of their choosing. UltraFlight Radio was the first Internet radio program invited to broadcast and record the
historic Sport Pilot announcement by the FAA Administrator.
This award recognizes media or communicator who has demonstrated an exceptional level of service to the Ultralight Community.
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| Phil Lockwood - Click photo to view full sized image |
The John Moody Award 2004: The John Moody Award was established in 1991 and is named in honor of "The Father of Ultralights," Mr. John Moody. In 1976, Moody was the first person to offer a complete ultralight kit that included both the engine and airframe. His accomplishment was the start of a new industry. The Moody Award is ultralight aviation's highest and most prestigious award. It is presented annually to a living individual, group or organization that, by their efforts over a period of years, have made significant contributions or advancements of enduring value in the sport of ultralight aviation in the United States.
Previous John Moody Award Recipients:
USUA is pleased to announce that the Recipient of the 2004 John Moody Award is long time ultralight pilot, manufacturer and Rotax engine guru, Phil Lockwood. Phil's accomplishments over the past 26 years have led him to be one of the most sought after speakers on the Ultralight Seminar circuit.
Phil began his aviation career as a graduate of Florida Institute of Technology's specialized School of Aeronautics in 1982 with a bachelor of science in Air Commerce and Flight technology.
He has been an active pilot since 1978 with over 2,500 hours accumulated in more than 100 different types of aircraft. Phil has much experience in the field of evaluating and improving the performance and control harmony of Ultralight and Light Sport Aircraft.
In 1987 Phil competed in the USUA National Microlight Championship held in San Antonio Texas. Flying a modified, 254 lb single seat Maxair Drifter, Phil won 1st place in both fixed wing categories, a feat that was considered to be all but impossible since one category favored high powered, single surface, short field champs like the Quicksilver Sprint and the other category favored lower powered highly efficient aircraft like the Mitchell Wing.
Drawing on his experience as a wildlife camera plane pilot Phil designed and built the first Air Cam, an innovative twin-engine camera plane, for a special National Geographic research project about the Ndoki Rain forest in northern Congo. Later, Phil oversaw the development and production of the Air Cam, as a fast build kit plane, while serving as president of Leza Lockwood Corp.
Today, he serves as president and CEO of Lockwood Aviation Supply, a company he founded in 1989, now the largest Service Center for Rotax Aircraft engines in North America and a major source for all types of Light Sport Aircraft parts and accessories. Another company, Lockwood Aviation Repair, is the only FAA licensed repair station (L2DR339H) that specializes, specifically, in the repair and overhaul of Rotax Aircraft engines. Located in the same Sebring Florida facility is Phil's Flight school, Lockwood Aviation.
Since 1992 Phil has donated much of his time to the development of improved operation and maintenance procedures for
Rotax aircraft engines and the teaching of these methods.
USUA Meritorious Service Award: Tony Anderson
USUA Volunteer Of The Year Award: Mike Plotnick
USUA Regional Representative Of The Year: Bob Chase - Far West Region
USUA Club of the Year: USUA Club #201, The Millennium Flyers
USUA Ultralight Industry Award: Powrachute Corporation
USUA Communication Award: Ultraflight Radio