USUA Tent in Paradise City, Lakeland, FL - Sun 'n Fun 2004. (Click on image to view full size photo)

During the blustery spring days for one of this year's biggest annual fly-ins, USUA was a visible presence in Paradise City. By Thursday, the wind died down, the air temperature rose and visits to the USUA tent increased. Members and non-members gathered at the ever-popular Member Sign-In wall, looking for friends' names and, at the same time, they used highlighter pens to mark their own name.

USUA Executive Vice President, Dale Hooper, talking to visitors at the USUA tent. (Click on image to view full size photo)

2004 was the first year that USUA brought along a copy of the member database. Executive Vice President Dale Hooper, when not attending FAA and other organization meetings, was available to research member questions. With the availability of the new third-party liability insurance by First Flight Insurance Group, USUA staff and volunteers were able to help members - from beginning to end - with insurance applications. In addition to responding to liability insurance questions and processing applications, Dawne Fay, of First Flight, also fielded questions about the commercial instructor insurance program.

L to R - Kyle and Lee Prestwood. The Flight Sim Model developers visited the USUA tent and were available to talk to visitors from noon to 1:00PM on Thursday. (Click on image to view full size photo)

The team of Mike (Event Coordinator) and Carol Plotnick (Financial Administrator) supervised volunteers, sold merchandise, handled new and renewal memberships, registrations, and answered BFI, SP/LSA, and other organization-related questions. Carol handled many of the more in-depth and detailed questions from members. Volunteers assisted with merchandise sales, membership applications and explanations of USUA programs. Thanks go out to everyone who helped. We couldn't have done it without you!

On Saturday, USUA Board member, Jim Sweeney, conducted an AFI/BFI seminar at the South Lakeland Airport. By the end of Sun ‘n Fun, though pedestrian traffic was low in Paradise City, the USUA booth had seen more visitors than in the past couple years.

Financial Administrator, Carol Plotnick, participated at Sun 'n Fun for the first time. With the availability of the USUA database and her knowledge of financial operations, she was able to respond and resolve various member issues and questions. (Click on image to view full size photo)	M-Squared in flight at Sun-n-Fun 2004. (Click on image to view full size photo)