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| About Aero Club | Newsletter Aero Club NewsFall 2004 President's ReportHenry Ogrodzinski Welcome to the Fall Edition of the Aero Club of Washington Newsletter! When the wind begins to chase the leaves around the streets of DC, we all look around and wonder, "Where has the time gone"? Not only have spring and summer retreated into memory, as this issue of our newsletter goes to press, it is time to wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving! Since we published our most recent newsletter, this summer, we have continued with a series of dynamic speakers who have shared their views on some of the most pressing challenges of today and on the issues they believe we will face as we continue into the first decade of the second century of aviation. May brought us a far reaching presentation from Boeing’s Alan Mulally, June saw DHS's Asa Hutchinson briefing us on the state of aviation security and who can forget Dr. Peter Diamandis’ spirited description of the “XPrize” and its competitors in July. Since then, we have seen the first "civilian" space ship and astronaut soar into space… where only government sponsored missions formerly flew. There was, by tradition, no luncheon in August, but when we returned in September ATA's Jim May painted a picture of the challenges faced by the US airline industry and its view of the measures it needs to return to prosperity. In October, as we all prepared for the national elections, we hosted a debate between the Bush campaign represented by Jim Burnley (Venable LLP) and the Kerry campaign represented by Ed Wytkind (AFL CIO). During that luncheon, I was proud to present the 2004 Donald D. Engen Aero Club Trophy for Aviation Excellence to Donald S. Lopez for his contributions over more than thirty years at the National Air and Space Museum. This month we are looking forward to NTSB Chairman Ellen Engleman Conners taking her first turn at the Aero Club podium. And, of course, every month our head table has been graced by the leaders of our industry and the media's best journalists. Speaking of the head table, our Vice President, Rob Land of Jet- Blue has brought a number of local aviation newsmakers to our luncheons including Dr. Jon Weiswasser who built his own aircraft, Gus McLeod who flew his own biplane to the North Pole and Allen Rothenberg who flew his 1948 Ercoup around the entire perimeter of the lower 48 state. Whew, all in all - what a group! There will be no luncheon in December - but I'm looking forward to seeing you at the Wright Memorial Dinner, honoring American Airlines’ Robert Crandall, on December 17th. Until then, keep 'em flying! Celebrating 95 Years of Aero Club Membership - PricelessSusan L. Sheets Since 1909 the Aero Club of Washington has enjoyed a sustained membership of approximately 500 individuals for 95 years, representing the multi-faceted segments of the aviation industry. Hailing from more than 15 states from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to Florida, North Carolina, Oregon and Texas, club members embody a broad constituent base and attend the club's monthly luncheons on a regular basis. They find great value in taking time from demanding schedules to visit with peers, renew acquaintances, build new relationships and listen to the month's speaker. Over the years, the Aero Club has become a well recognized forum for speakers from the U.S. Congress, Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration, to airline CEOs and leaders of the general aviation community, covering a broad spectrum of issues. Why is membership in the Aero Club of Washington valued by so many in the aviation community? Several reasons come to mind immediately. The Club’s Membership Directory alone is a great resource, with listings of all members and their organizations, fax, phone and e-mail addresses. The Aero Club Newsletter is also an informative publication, covering the industry’s events, happenings and people in the news. Another benefit is a member invitation to the annual Wright Memorial Dinner, the industry’s gala event in December, celebrating aviation heroes like Senator John Glenn, the 2003 recipient of the Wright Brothers Trophy. The organization’s commitment to future generations is epitomized by the Aero Club of Washington Foundation that develops and funds aviation education initiatives of national scope and character. The Washington and national aviation communities come together at the Aero Club for many good reasons. It is rewarding to participate in a club whose vision, unparalleled for 95 years, is to promote aviation and to honor those who have contributed significantly to the growth of the industry. Supporting the club through the $55.00 annual dues is an easy decision. Monthly luncheons are $40.00 for members ($ 45 for non members). Membership: priceless. Donald S. Lopez awarded the “Donald D. Engen Aero Club Trophy for Aviation Excellence”The Aero Club of Washington awarded the “Donald D. Engen Aero Club Trophy for Aviation Excellence” to Don Lopez at the Club’s monthly luncheon meeting on October 21, 2004. The Engen Trophy, awarded to, and named after, the late Admiral Engen in 1999, is given to an individual, team, or organization for a lifetime of achievement in aviation, or a single event or series of events, that reaffirms the Wright Brothers’ standard of excellence in aviation. Don Lopez is Deputy Director of the National Air and Space Museum and has a distinguished career in aviation, making him an obvious choice for the prestigious Engen award. Lopez began his aviation career in the US Air Force as a fighter pilot in World War II, flying P-40s and P-51s in China. During his career, he has tested fighters, served his nation again in Korea, taught at the US Air Force Academy and worked on the Apollo Saturn Launch Vehicle. Other than a short three years in retirement, Lopez has been with the Air and Space Museum since its opening in 1976. Aero Club Foundation ReportOakley Brooks The Aero Club Foundation is enjoying a very good year. Creation of an Executive Committee of the Foundation and the hard work of its members is bringing laudable results. The committee is made up of the following Aero Club members: Alexis Allen (AIA), Joan Bauerlein (FAA), Oakley Brooks (Bombardier), Pat Gilmore (Dombroff & Gilmore), Paula Hochstetler (Airports Consultants Council), Jim Jones (Port Authority of NY and NJ), Bill Peacock (Robinson Aviation), Brian Riley (GAMA), and Jim Roberts (HEICO Aerospace). The group is further divided into two subcommittees: fundraising and grants. The fundraising focus has been on expanding the contributors' base beyond just the Aero Club and individual members. We have initiated a program of soliciting gifts from associations that are represented in the Aero Club. The first-year response has been very gratifying, with contributions from the following associations: Aeronautical Repair Station Association, Aerospace Industries Association, Aircraft Electronics Association, Airport Consultants Council, American Association of Airport Executives, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, National Aircraft Resale Association, National Association of State Aviation Officials, National Business Aviation Association, Regional Airline Association, and Washington Airports Task Force. We have been able to raise almost $17,000 in 2004, which is a significant increase compared to prior years. The larger pool of available funds meant the Foundation's grants could be expanded to reach more inner-city DC public school students, who are the primary beneficiaries of the Foundation. Grants this year have gone to: (1) Stuart-Hobson Middle School, to support teaching eighth graders how lessons in history, math, and science are applicable to careers in aerospace; (2) Cardozo High School's Trans Tech Academy, for its intern program at aerospace firms and the National Air & Space Museum, field trips, and classroom presentations; and, (3) National Capitol Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, for five scholarships for attendance at a summer encampment. We are currently reviewing applications from two other entities in Washington. We encourage participation by everyone in the Aero Club. This can come by way of a contribution to the Foundation along with renewal of annual Aero Club dues, volunteering at either Stuart-Hobson or Cardozo to bring a particular perspective to students, providing an interesting internship at a Washington-based firm, or suggesting potential recipients for Foundation grants. There are many ways to become involved in the Foundation, and we welcome everyone's ideas. Upcoming LuncheonsNovember 23, 2004
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