USUA headquarters staff and volunteers recently attended and exhibited at the annual Sun N Fun Fly-In at Lakeland, Florida. USUA members were able to stop by the tent and talk about ultralights, as well as renew memberships and acquaintances. It also provided USUA staff with an opportunity to discuss recent Sport Pilot developments with FAA, and other organizations.

The first FAA meeting was scheduled at 7:30 AM on Tuesday at the FAA building. Attending were representatives from USUA, NAPPF, EAA, ASC, LAMA, and other aviation organizations. The news was: there is no new news. This was not entirely unexpected, having lived through the recent return of Sport Pilot, at FAA's request, from OMB the week before.

The Office of Management and Budget apparently had some last-minute questions for FAA, and there was just not enough time to adequately respond before time ran out on OMB's allotted 90-day schedule. If the time had run out, the entire Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft rule would have left OMB UNAPPROVED. The ever-resourceful FAA, requested that the rule be returned to them, before that deadline expired, thereby saving Sport Pilot from an untimely demise. Had they not made this move the rule could have been delayed indefinitely. Now, FAA can take the time to address the issues and questions posed by OMB, and resubmit the rule again - this time without that crucial deadline hovering over their heads. The exact nature and specific questions by OMB are held very closely and have not been released to the public.

In that same 7:30 meeting, FAA's Sue Gardner reiterated the explanation of this action, and assured all in attendance that the concerns were being addressed at the very highest levels within FAA. All efforts were being made to expedite matters. There was no time frame given for action, but the impression was that FAA is working diligently toward finalizing the new rule.

It is common knowledge the Sport Pilot rule exists in a different form at this time than it did when published as a NPRM. The several thousand comments to that Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking were studied and addressed as it traveled its way through FAA, to DOT, and finally to OMB. The exact nature of the changes is not being disclosed at this time due to legal and liability issues. Ms. Gardner assured all in attendance that even though they could not elaborate on some aspects of the new incarnation of the rule, it would be made available as soon as possible.

Throughout the week at Sun Ôn Fun, FAA officials helped USUA volunteers and staff at the USUA exhibit, answered questions from members concerning the rule, and for those wishing to participate in SP/LSA, suggested how to effectively transition. This direct contact between FAA and USUA members was greatly appreciated, and both sides learned much from the interaction. Most importantly, USUA was able to emphasize that the existence and continued support of Part 103 is paramount, and that the option to fly under this rule is not to be ignored or forgotten.

The week was filled with informational forums. There were topics ranging from navigational information to ultralight insurance issues, to the daily FAA Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft forum. USUA held a Town Meeting and shared with members the news of it's continued growth, and it's heartfelt thanks for support throughout the previous year. Dawne Fay, administrator of the USUA insurance program, represented both at a forum and at the USUA exhibit, First Flight Insurance Group. She was able to answer members' questions concerning the new program. Taking advantage of USUA's digital office, members were able to apply AND be accepted for insurance while attending the Sun Ôn Fun event.

The first FAA forum concerned airmen registration and procedures, and was followed the next day with aircraft registration issues. These two forums alternated daily throughout the week, and drew good attendance. As was stated before, no new information was available concerning the rule in the form it presently exists, but clarification was available for those with basic questions.

Since USUA members are both interested in Sport Pilot AND Part 103 operations, USUA President Reggie DeLoach, and Executive Viece President Dale Hooper surveyed the manufacturers exhibits in search of Part 103 legal vehicles. As expected LSA probable aircraft were prevalent, but also, a total of ten truly Part 103 vehicles were found as well. USUA applauds the manufacturers exhibiting at this year's show - it has not been an easy time, considering that aircraft sales are down and attendance at national shows of this nature is not an inexpensive venture. But to see that progress is being made on the LSA side, as well as the continued emphasis on less than 254 pound single seaters exists, is gratifying.

NAA Spring Awards Ceremony Honors Astronauts And Ultralighters

The National Aeronautic Association 2004 Spring Awards Ceremony & Reception was held April 26th at the Smithsonian National Air And Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. The ceremony began promptly at 7 PM, and continued for the next few hours, honoring the outstanding aviation achievements of 2003 and early 2004. On hand for the presentations were USUA BOD Chairman Lew Clement, USUA EVP Dale Hooper and USUA Financial Administrator Carol Plotnick.

The scope of the awards ranged from honors given to Space Shuttle astronauts, to speed records set over a recognized course, to ballooning distance records and parachuting's largest canopy formation records to the most memorable Aviation Records set in 2003. In this last category, USUA member Jon Jacobs (USUA #A01909) won for his "Distance In A Straight Line With Limited Fuel" record.

Awards presented were as follows:

The Smithsonian National Air And Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located near Dulles International Airport in the Washington, DC Area. It houses some of the larger aircraft (the Concord, among others) that cannot be displayed in the Smithsonian Building in downtown Washington DC. Airplanes of all descriptions are parked, hang, and are otherwise displayed at this location, which has only been open to the public since December 2003.

Jon Jacobs Wins an NAA Most Memorable Aviation Records Of 2003 Award

Jon Jacobs just won't quit. He has a competitor's heart, and a passion for doing what has never been done before. His most recent accomplishment broke a 15-year-old US record when he flew 170 miles in a straight line carrying only 7.5 kilograms (about 2.7 gallons) of fuel. In true JJ form, he finished his record breaking flight, and after checking his fuel reserve found that he had ounces to spare.

The award was presented by NAA President Don Koranda, legendary aviator Lt. Col. Dick Rutan USAF (Ret.) and fellow record breaker and aviator Clay Lacy. Jon, who was busy preparing for the upcoming US National Microlight Competition, was unable to accept his award in person, so USUA EVP Dale Hooper accepted on his behalf.

"To have ultralights and their pilots honored in the same company as aviation heavyweights such as Lockheed Martin, Gulfstream Aerospace, as well as Dick Rutan and the Mars Exploration Rover Project Team certainly is humbling." commented Dale Hooper. "We are very proud of the efforts of members like Jon for their commitment to ultralighting achievement."

USUA Continues To Promote The Family Aspect of Ultralighting.

Flight Lines on a Fall Flight
By Carol L. Plotnick

Recently, I was asked to write about what it's like to be a woman ultralight pilot and what was the reason I decided to fly. As I thought about it, I realized that I made the decision to learn to fly ultralights because it looked like a lot of fun. Man or woman, I'm sure this is a pretty universal reason! After my introductory lesson, the hook was set. When I thought about the best way to communicate this experience, the following flight came to mind. I thought about my last flight of the 2003 flying season.

As I touched lightly down onto the familiar grass airstrip of my home field, little did I know it would be my last flight of 2003. The mild fall weather had hung on into November and that evening's flight was beautiful! The air was warm and smooth with a light scent of dry leaves.

Earlier that day, I was the photographer for a pilot making his first solo flight in his Quicksilver. I took pictures of his first few landings, but as the sun sank closer towards the horizon, the call of the sky soon took over. "I'm going up," I said to the guys within earshot and I handed one of them my camera.

"Fly Safe, Carol," another said to me. His broad grin reflected the joy I was feeling. After a thorough preflight, I donned my helmet and gloves and joined the other evening flyers in the Pennsylvania sky around our airport. I had time for a short, but enjoyable flight, followed by a low pass over the field and then a very good landing.

I taxied up to the entrance of the hangar and shut off the engine. As I took off my helmet, but before I could get out of the plane, my enthusiastic friend said, "Carol, that was beautiful! You looked great!" I grinned and thanked him. The pilot who soloed gave me a hand in rolling the Quick into the hangar. I thanked him for his help. A small group of us watched as each pilot returned to the field and put their planes away. One of the pilots made a couple low passes over the field before landing. Another pilot took his picture. Looking over his shoulder at the digital image he'd captured, I saw a winged silhouette against a stunning autumn sunset.

As I reflect on what started my skyward journey a few years ago, I realize that even though I had the support of my husband and the other pilots that are now part of my flying family, I was the one who chose to fly. Learning to fly is probably the hardest thing I have ever done. But . . . it has been one of the most rewarding experiences, too. Beyond the wind-in-the-face, heart-pounding joy of maneuvering my way around the sky and safely back to earth, I have reaped more than the whirlwind. The confidence I gained has helped me through some tough times - in the air and in every-day life.

As another flying season approaches, I look forward to those wonderful spring and summer days when I can return to the sky. On the not-so-perfect days, I enjoy hangar flying with my brothers. The pilots are ordinary people with exceptional dreams. Some live to fly - flying every chance they get. Others, like myself, only fly on weekends.

At my airfield, the majority of the pilots are men. Although, I am the only woman pilot, I don't feel isolated or discriminated against. We joke around some, but it's all part of the fun of flying with friends. Our skill is serious, but our spirits are young and playful.

I have friendships with women pilots, too. However, these friendships are long- distance ones. I moderate the Internet forum for women ultralight pilots - Women UL-Wings. Through it I met Arty Trost. Arty is now a dear, close friend who also happens to make incredible cross-country flights covering hundreds of miles that I would never attempt in my Quicksilver Sprint! The other enthusiastic women pilots on the list - From Australia to Great Britain and Brazil to Alaska - are all united by our love of flying.

Words cannot accurately describe what flying is or what it means to a pilot. I have expressed some of the things it means to me, but these few words still fall short. When I fly I understand and appreciate it . . . but words don't come close to the actual experience of flight.

2003 USUA Club of the Year - Georgia Sport Flyers Association

Kim Arrowood and her Flightstar (click on photo to view full sized image)

The following account of how USUA Club #960 - Georgia Sport Flyers Association - worked with Boy Scout Troop #89 to achieve their Aviation Merit Badge, was part of our August 2003 air rally. It all started when I found out that the Boy Scouts liked to help with things like this, so that they could get their service hours. That was also the Centennial year of flight. We couldn't have had a better way to celebrate this special anniversary than by having the Boy Scouts help us out. At our June air rally, we helped Boy Scout Troop #10 get their Aviation Merit Badges in return for their hours of service at our event.

With the help of Richard Logue, Lonnie Sand (USUA #85416), Bob Smedberg, and Joe Horton, we had a good time and the Scouts learned a lot about aviation. We hope to have them with us again for the 2004 Rally.

Kim Arrowood (USUA BFI #87339)
President
Georgia Sport Flyers

Boy Scout Aviation Merit Badge Training for Troop 89
By Richard Logue (USUA BFI #81320)

Troop 89 group picture taken by Kim Arrowood, (Back row from the left to right 3rd in) is Jack Baker, Richard Logue, Bob Smedberg. (click on photo to view full sized image)

Saturday morning, August 23rd. At last we had a morning that was cool and free of the haze that normally lasted until 10AM during these "dog" days of summer. Kim Arrowood, Bob Smedberg (USUA BFI #83488) and I needed an altitude fix before the Boy Scout troop arrived. Once they arrived, we would conduct presentations to help them earn their Aviation Merit Badge's. Bob took a short trip to fly over his house and Kim and I shot a few landings as we enjoyed the cool clean air. 9:30 arrived and so did the Boy Scouts. We flew back just in time to make a fly by and a couple impressive landings - ensuring the scouts that we were indeed skilled aviators. We taxied over to the hangers to begin their merit badge program.

Troop leader, Austin Tango, is taking flying lessons from me and awhile back he asked if we would help them get their aviation merit badges. Since the Boy Scouts of America have a formal outline of items to be covered in order to earn the badges, Austin obtained all of the requirements for the badges and we set up everything they would need to accomplish this.

Richard Logue talking to Troop 89 about how ailerons work. (click on photo to view full sized image)

Part of the requirement is to talk to flight instructors. Bob, Kim and I gave presentations on our airplanes. We described and demonstrated the control surfaces, engine, radios, and GPS. We explained how everything related to controlled and safe flight. Jack Baker, a retired Delta captain and retired USAF jet fighter pilot, showed them his Cessna. By talking to him, the scouts met the requirements for talking to an airline pilot and for talking about both military and civilian careers in aviation. The scouts asked a lot of good questions and they had a great time sitting in our planes and pretending to be the "World's Greatest" pilots.

Bob, Kim and I enjoyed teaching the boys about our sport and all the opportunities it can provide for careers or for just good fun! I for one would enjoy doing it again next year.