From The CO’s Cockpit
by Michael Schloss, President of EAA Warbirds of America
In a previous column, I highlighted the excellent working relationship our organization has with the Federal Aviation Administration. That relationship was exemplified when several of us met with key FAA managers just prior to the start of the National Warbird Operator Conference. Among the topics we discussed was the T-34 spar issue, with emphasis on the need for better communication about what options are available. While on the subject of the Experimental Exhibition category, the question was raised about any repercussions that have come about as a result of two high profile L-39 accidents this year. Obviously, the FAA is quite concerned about these fatal crashes, but we were assured that a response from Washington was not forthcoming at this time. That does not mean, however, that we can let our guard down. We will be working with them to try to enhance safety in this area.
Judging from discussions I’ve had with attendees of the National Warbird Operator Conference, it was a great success. There were presentations and breakout discussions that spanned the entire field of “warbird aviation,” from T-34s to B-17s and from L-Birds to jets. There were forums on legal issues and flying, particularly on the pilot’s responsibilities with enforcement actions; discussions on aircraft insurance; and a presentation on medical issues as well. Some of the attendees commented that they were surprised to see that this conference was not just for the operators of “heavy iron,” but that it was valuable for individuals flying all types of warbird aircraft. I would strongly urge as many of our members as possible to attend next year. A synopsis of the conference can be found on pages 6 and 7 of this issue.
Our division’s Board of Directors also met prior to the start of the conference. One of the major issues confronting the board is our financial future. The board creates a projected budget of income and expenses for the coming fiscal year, just as most of us do in our businesses and, to some degree, in our families as well. Like all good businesses, we must live within our means. We are all aware that not only is the cost of aviation increasing, but so also is nearly every other sphere of our lives. The two major expenses for our organization are our major events (Sun ‘n Fun and AirVenture Oshkosh) and the publication of our magazine. The expenses for these have been increasing annually. In addition, our costs of conducting daily business within the EAA organizational structure, such as the management of our website and the accounting of our assets, continue to increase.
The downturn in the economy has had an impact on every area of our lives, and this may be part of the reason that our membership numbers have reached a plateau, and thus causing our dues income to level off. Our only other major sources of income have been merchandise sales (a key element in our financial solvency) and publications advertising sales (which brings the magazine closer to self-sufficiency).
The development and sales of our division merchandise has been very successful in the past, and we will be looking for new opportunities in the near future, including an increase in available items at Sun ‘n Fun this year. To increase our advertising revenue, the three EAA divisions (Warbirds of America, Vintage Aircraft Association, and International Aerobatic Club) and the affiliate, the National Association of Flight Instructors, are pooling resources to hire a professional advertising sales representative for the respective publications. If this representative calls you, asking you to place an ad for your company or business, we hope you will answer positively. Not only will your ad generate revenue for Warbirds, but it will also increase the exposure of your business.
Our primary source of income, and the one with which we have the most control, is our membership dues. We have not had an increase in our dues in over seven years, despite rising expenses. This is a credit to our board, which has shown good fiscal responsibility for many years. But the time may have come to consider a modest dues increase. Even if we raise the dues $5.00 (from $35 to $40), we will still be among the best bargains for similar aviation organizations. The board is currently considering this option. We will keep you, the members, informed on this decision.
Plans for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2001 are in full swing. The exciting news is our plan to have three major warbird shows—one hour each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday—and shorter shows on the first three days of the convention. Members who arrive at Oshkosh in the early part of the week can enjoy some free time to see the exhibits, visit the Fly Market, view at the aircraft and enjoy time with their friends. We are proceeding with our Korean War theme (Tribute to Korean War Veterans), and are encouraging our members who operate Korean War-vintage aircraft to make an extra effort to bring those aircraft to the convention. We can provide a lot of great flying during the three extended warbird shows. The forums will be held on Thursday; a schedule will first appear in the June issue of Warbirds.
Sun ‘n Fun is just around the corner; some of you may even be reading this for the first time during your time in Lakeland. We are looking forward to a seeing many of you there.
“Keep ‘em flying”.
Michael Schloss
President
