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Newsletter Aero Club News

April 2003

President's Report

I am honored to serve as President of the Aero Club of Washington in 2003 as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers flight that forever changed our world. In the compressed time of 100 years, we have gone from horse and buggy to space travel, and have experienced the thrill of success, as well as painful tragedies in these historic endeavors.

Through it all, the aviation and aerospace industries have remained remarkably resilient. In this unprecedented year of security and economic challenges for the aviation community, the Aero Club of Washington will continue to serve as an important forum for the exchange of ideas and as a vehicle of support for the industry. Through our monthly luncheon meetings, we bring our members face to face with government and industry leaders who are creating tomorrow’s news. In addition, these meetings allow the members to experience important networking opportunities that expand their professional lives.

The Wright Memorial Dinner, which has been a landmark Washington event for many years, will be the focus of our efforts during this major anniversary year. The dinner will be held December 12, 2003, with Cassandra Bosco and Susan Sheets serving as the talented co- chairs, so please mark your calendars today!

As you attend club functions this year, please remember to thank individual members of the Aero Club’s Board of Governors for serving in this important role. It is through the significant contributions of these volunteers that the club is able to bring you quality speakers and programs.

And, as you navigate through these fascinating times for our industry, please e- mail me at sdickerson@ airportnet. org with ideas or suggestions for club events. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
J. Spencer Dickerson
2003 Aero Club of Washington President

Kick-off for Foundation's Second NASM Education Program

The National Air and Space Museum, with financial support from the Aero Club Foundation, in January kicked-off an aviation education program for the eighth-grade class of a DC museum magnet school, Stuart-Hobson Middle School. The kick-off was held at the Museum on January 14, with welcoming remarks from Maureen Kerr (Education Director), Don Lopez (Deputy Director), and Aero Club President Shelly Simi. The 125 students and six teachers were dazzled by the NASM's newest IMAX movie feature, "Straight Up! Helicopters In Action", which was followed by a tour of the "How things Fly" exhibition.

The NASM/Aero Club Foundation’s education programs are designed to provide middle and high school students with an opportunity to learn first-hand how their studies in math, science, and history are applicable to careers in the field of aviation. In February and in recognition of Black History Month, the program included a visit to the school and speech by George "Hank" Henry, a Tuskegee Airman and NASM docent, to discuss his military career as a pilot. On March 12, the Museum sponsored a Women's History Month Program at the school, with presentations by Army Col. Christine Knighton and Lt. Col. Beverly Armstrong, discussing their careers in aviation.

The Aero Club Foundation supported a similar aviation education program last year, which included approximately 100 eighth-grade students from DC's Jefferson Junior High School.

2002 President’s Report

As I end my tenure as President of the Aero Club of Washington, I find myself reflecting on its history. It is amazing to consider that for over 92 years, the Aero Club of Washington has been bringing the Washington and national aviation communities together to share an appreciation of aviation issues and to instill a continued interest in aviation for future generations. Your participation as a member, committee chair or board member plays an important role in ensuring our Club’s sustained impact on the aviation community.

The Aero Club’s activities have become quite prominent throughout the industry including our monthly luncheons with such notable speakers as former FAA Administrator Jane Garvey, ICAO Ambassador Ed Stimpson, Senator Jay Rockefeller and other distinguished guests who share their views on issues affecting the aviation industry. Through our Foundation efforts, we continue to share the benefits of aviation with our youth through programs like the National Air and Space Museum and Aero Club education program designed to provide Stuart-Hobson Middle School students with an opportunity to learn first-hand how their studies in math, science, and history are applicable to careers in the field of aviation.

Personally, I am proud to have had such a talented group of Board members to work with throughout the year. Everyone has been so supportive and given their personal time and attention to matters related to achieving our Club’s goals. A special thanks also to Nancy Hackett for her continued dedication and hard work.

Today, as our industry struggles through uncertain times, it is important that we continue to strive to capture the Wright Brothers’ spirit. I am confident that your 2003 Aero Club President Spencer Dickerson will provide excellent leadership for the Club as we embark on the celebration of the 100th anniversary of powered flight.

Sincerely,

Shelly Simi

Upcoming Luncheons

The Aero Club of Washington is pleased to have the following individuals scheduled to speak at our upcoming luncheons:

April 22, 2003

Dr. Maldutis, a transportation economist, has broad experience with a distinguished career in aviation and surface transportation. Dr. Maldutis has degrees in economics from Brooklyn College (B.A.), Columbia University (M.A.) and Columbia University (Ph.D).

Beginning as a Corporate Economist with Trans World Airlines in 1963 and Director of Domestic Passenger Planning, Dr. Maldutis also served as a consultant with Booz, Allen and Hamilton; the U.S. Department of Transportation; and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.

In 1972, Dr. Maldutis joined Salomon Bros. as an airline and aerospace financial analyst. He retired as a Managing Director in May 1998. In 1998 he joined CIBC World Markets as a Managing Director of Global Airline Research and retired in October 2001.

May 27, 2003

Phil Boyer became only the third full-time president in the 60-year history of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) on January 1, 1991.

A long-time broadcasting executive and general aviation advocate, Mr. Boyer is a 6,000-hour instrument- and multiengine-rated pilot who has been flying for more than 33 years, 15 of those as an aircraft owner.

Mr. Boyer was previously Senior Vice President-Development for Capital Cities/ABC Video Enterprises, Inc. There, he explored new business opportunities in communications technologies and coordinated ABC's international business activities. Boyer also created ABC's "Wide World of Flying" quarterly subscription-based video magazine.

Mr. Boyer earned a degree in communications from Sacramento State University, stayed on there as an associate professor of communications, and later became program director and station manager for KCRA-TV in Sacramento.

June 19

Leo F. Mullin is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Delta Air Lines at its world headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

Prior to joining Delta on August 14, 1997, Mr. Mullin served as Vice Chairman of Unicom Corporation and its chief subsidiary, Commonwealth Edison, from 1995 to 1997. Before Unicom Mr. Mullin was in key management positions at First Chicago for 15 years. From 1993 to 1995, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the company.

Mr. Mullin received a degree in engineering and applied physics from Harvard College, a degree in applied mathematics from The Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and a MBA from the Harvard Business School.

Save the Date!!!

The 56th Wright Memorial Dinner will be held on Friday, December 12, 2003 at the Signature Flight facility at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Save the date! Don’t miss this gala event commemorating both the centennial of flight and the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy. It will be a night to remember!

Aero Club of Washington Welcomes New Members!

November 2002

  • Martin Anker, Evergreen Int’l Airlines
  • Claudio Felix, Embraer
  • Kenji Nagamatsu and Shinji Nitta, Japan International Transport Institute
  • John Northcott, Aviation Facilities Company
  • Jonathan Stern, Schnader, Harrison, Segal and Lewis

December 2002

  • Chris Chiames, US Airways
  • Carolyn Williamson, University Aviation Association
  • Frank Cahouet, Korn/Ferry International
  • Shirley Ybarra, The Ybarra Group
  • Sam White, Evergreen International Aviation
  • Sean McAlister, US Department of Commerce
  • John Bielstein, retired from Midway Airlines
  • Clark Freise, Advanced Power Technologies
  • Ann Carroll, Helicopter Association International.

January 2003

  • James Bennett, MWAA
  • Randall Stephens, RS TEJAVIA
  • Woodie Woodward, FAA

February 2003

  • John Hamilton and Adam Konowe, TMP Worldwide
  • Louis Le Portz and Francois Roudier, Messier-Dowty
  • Dave Barger and James Hnat, JetBlue
  • Bob Stangarone, Broadgate.

Download the PDF version of Aero Club News, April 2003 Issue.

Aero Club of Washington
P.O. Box 17295 • Dulles International Airport • Washington, DC 20041 • info@aeroclub.org
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