President's Message

While searching for some sort of inspiration to write my first story for Wing Tips as president, I walked outside today and heard the unmistakable sound of sandhill cranes in the distance. That can't be, I thought as I stood next to a five foot tall mound of snow and looked up to see a gaggle of ten of the critters. They weren't circling and soaring as they do when they pass through going southbound in the fall, but flapping steadily northward, as if they would miss out on something if they didn't get back home in a hurry.

Finally I have witnessed SOME hope of winter releasing it's stranglehold and giving in to spring. The days are getting longer, the nights of single digit temperatures are getting less frequent, and yes, there is the strong possibility that we will have another season of soaring. Believe it or not.

It is amazing to me that there hasn't been a flight at CISS (that I'm aware of) since November. This must be the longest stretch of non-flying for our club since the year of the blizzard. (also a guess!) It's time to shake off the long cold winter and turn our thoughts toward the warm, peaceful skies of central Indiana. The cranes are never wrong. Spring's coming!

The best way I can think of for everyone to get their minds off winter and into the sky is to attend the MANDATORY safety meeting at Montgomery Aviation's big new hangar on Mar. 15. Please find a way to attend this meeting. Operating at TYQ will only be more and more challenging this year as business increases at the new facility. Your attendance and attention will be crucial to making this year's operations go as smoothly and safely as possible. Also, please do your best to go to the club meeting on the 20th. This is your best time to bring your concerns about the club to light. Remember, your president was once a farmer, so I consider whining and complaining somewhat of an art form!

As president, I suppose I should list my priorities:
1. SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY Nothing ruins a day more than unruly contact with the ground or another aircraft.
2. FUN FUN FUN If we're not having fun doing this, why bother?
3. MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION We want to share this beautiful sport with as many people as possible, right?
4. KEEPING STUDENTS FOCUSED ON A GOAL If you are a student, beg a ride with an experienced soaring pilot. Experience what the result of your hard work and training will be!
5. FINDING OUR OWN HOME As many of you know, I've worked hard on this project for over a year, and have come close several times. I'm NOT giving up on the dream.

That's not the complete list, but you got my top five.

Think spring!

CU at cloudbase,

Kurt