On this sunny, fall morning, I am reflecting on the course of events that USUA has experienced this year. During a time when most ultralight pilots are out enjoying a flight over the colorful countryside, we can't help but be reminded of the changes that occur all the time. Just like the changing of the leaves, we leave one season and move into another.

A dear friend of mine told me a story recently that is an excellent example of change and how we can adapt to it. My friend had a two-hour drive to the office every morning. He always listened to one particular classic country radio station for most of the drive. It was the kind of music my friend grew up with -- Merle Haggard, Sons of the Pioneers. The old songs made his long drive to work a little easier.

Then one day he turned on his car radio and Latino music was playing. Thinking the channel selector had been changed, he searched the dial for the country station. After a minute or two, with no success, he decided to switch back to the Latino station. The radio signal was strong and the music, though different, was lively and upbeat. By the time the signal faded, he discovered that he had enjoyed the music. Instead of moving on to another station, he decided to listen and give the new sound a try. He was rewarded with a type of music -- though not originally his choice -- that he wound up enjoying.

From my friend's experience, it's easy to see part of us in that story. We get used to something. We are comfortable or we enjoy doing something one way. However, when things change, we often want to stay with what we've gotten used to -- the familiar. The sport of ultralighting is much like the country music story. From its humble beginnings, ultralighting has already undergone many changes. But, just like my friend's experience, more changes are coming. How we adapt to those changes is up to us -- USUA staff, pilots, manufacturers, and the ultralight/sport plane community as a whole.

We are facing insurance issues, national security measures that restrict our flight, and the new Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft regulations. For our part, USUA will keep our ears tuned to the radio and we will respond and report on the developments. We will continue to participate in whatever manner possible to deal with and effectively act upon these changes. We will assist our members in adapting to the new music.

By the way, the friend who told me the story about change was Richard A. Pendergist. It's been said that friends and family, no longer with us, live on in the stories they tell. Perhaps his story will guide us in the days and years to come.

by Carol Plotnick
USUA Staff Writer