03/20/2003: Search and Rescue: In aviation circles, the term Search and Rescue
has a widely understood and generally fixed meaning. Usually it means that a pilot or
other individual is lost and/or needs assistance and extraction from a bad situation.
When the call to assemble rescue teams goes out, the aviation community is among the
first to respond and assist in whatever manner they can. As many of you know, the
USUA is in just such a situation. In this case, the
danger is not PHYSICAL but FISCAL. Over the years, the cost to support USUA programs
has exceeded the income it receives from member dues and other income sources. This
situation has left the organization unable to meet some of its financial obligations.
So it is time to send up the balloon! Consider this notice a Search for Rescue. The USUA needs support and they need it now. The most logical place to rally assistance is among the affiliate USUA clubs.
Currently, there are 102 USUA affiliate clubs in 12 regions. These clubs depend on USUA for many things -- from training exemptions and programs, to pilot certifications and fly-in support. But most importantly, USUA provides a credible voice for members to communicate with other organizations and the Federal Government; in particular the FAA. Now is NOT the time to lose this voice!
Some clubs have already come to USUA’s assistance. In region 2, USUA Club 1 members donated $500, specifically for payment of USUA’s outstanding debts. In Region 5, USUA Club 393, The Dallas-Fort Worth Lite Flyers, sponsored a fly-in and donated $473 in proceeds to the same purpose. Both of these clubs are leading the way in demonstrating that National affiliations are not a one-way street. Region 5 Representative Paul Wells points out that sponsoring a fly-in is not a small affair. He adds that the contributions of the corps of women members, in particular, made it happen. Club 393 plans another fly-in later this year.
However, these two clubs can't continue the Search for Rescue mission alone. The clubs extend a friendly challenge to the remaining 100 USUA affiliate clubs. If every club contributes, the USUA will be clear of the current financial crisis. While there is much to be done for the long term health of USUA, that work is underway, proceeding well, and being conducted by dedicated and qualified people. What is needed now is your financial help. Make a donation from your club treasury, sponsor a fly-in, run 50/50 drawings, and hold bake sales. Whatever works for your club to raise money. We encourage you to accept the challenge from Clubs 1 and 393 and help save the only organization that is dedicated full time to the interests of ultralight aviation and those who like to Fly for Fun.
Phil Williams
USUA Club 1 Membership Director
Photo Taken by Paul Dwyer
USUA Club 1 Treasurer Mike Moulds delivers a $500 check to USUA BOD Chairman Lew Clement and USUA Rich Pendergist. This is the first donation received by USUA to help decrease the organization's financial debt. Club 1 Members were on hand for the presentation.
(Front row left to right - Rich Pendergist, Lew Clement, Mike Moulds, Larry Walker, Jody Clement. Back Row Left to right Robert "Chappy" Chapman, Jim Heidish, Dave Van Veghel, Dick Baker, Jim Willess, Phil Williams, Dave Riedel)
Dallas-Fort Worth Lite Flyers USUA Club #393 Ladies
(From left to right: Traci Mountain, Claudene Sleeper, Melissa Ennis, Avis Neeper, and Jan Morrow.)