MINE IS BIGGER THAN YOURS - The trend toward larger and larger aircraft continues. As we are seeing an increasing number of the larger aircraft appearing at our sanctioned events, we must be aware of the weight classes. Our maximum is unchanged at 55 pounds including all liquids. The AMA experimental class is 55 to 100 pounds including all liquids and requires larger safety distance requirements from the pits and the spectators. There is NO stated class for any aircraft greater than 100 pounds, which would indicate that the owner and land owner would be on their own, and these craft have no legal place at sanctioned events.

While the majority are still content with the IMAA legal sizes and weights, they have begun to express some concern over the growing number of over 55 pound aircraft at the events.

DISTRICT IX - Don Moden has resigned his position as Director of District IX and on behalf of the current administration, I would like to thank Don for his 18 months of service to the District and the Board of Directors. The Board has appointed Mr. Don Pemberton, your former Director, to replace Mr. Moden for the remaining months of the current term. A thank you also to Don Pemberton for volunteering for the appointment.

1997 EVENTS - As I travel around to the various events, I have noticed a marked improvement in the concern shown for the spectators being designated an area where they may view the event from a good vantage point with additional comforts such as seats or bleachers being provided. I am seeing more attention being given to our handicapped friends as well with both parking and services such as the larger porta-jons. Thank you to all who helped bring these items to our attention and to those who are working for the improvement in both areas.

SANCTION MILEAGE PROTECTION - Each year we have an increase in the number of events being held, both IMAA sanctioned (C-Restricted) and Big-Bird events being sanctioned by AMA only. This continues to be a problem with maintaining the 250 mile protection of your IMAA sanctioned event. Then when you add in the additional events (many of which you find out about at the last minute), we find events on the same weekend much closer to each other than we had planned and hoped for. I don't know at this time what the answer to the problem is. Your input to your Director or to me would be a great help to find a solution or at least some relief to this problem.

ELECTION TIME AGAIN - Please review the resumes of the candidates for the next 2 years found in this issue. You, will again be given the opportunity to vote for your choice of who will represent your District for the coming term and your choices for President and Vice-President as well. The ballots will be forwarded to you soon under separate cover. If you agree with the direction your current officers have been following, then vote for them, if not, then vote for the challenger. If the incumbent has chosen not to run again, then take the time to read what the new candidates have to say, if you have more than one choice. What easier chance could you have to help shape the future direction the next administration will follow than to take time to vote? You still have the power to control the future of IMAA .