Probably the most often asked questions we receive concern the preparation of Chapter Reports and once sent in, when can the chapter expect to see their pictures and story appear in High Flight?
Probably the most often asked questions we receive concern the preparation of Chapter Reports and once sent in, when can the chapter expect to see their pictures and story appear in High Flight?
The most important piece of information available to the person covering an I.M.A.A. fly-in comes with the return sanction package from the Sanction Coordinator. It is a one page information sheet titled "Improving your Chapter Event Report." This info sheet details the film type that produces the clearest pictures, (Kodak T-Max 400 - black and white), in Part 1, as well as suggestions about how to take better pictures.
Part 2 of the sheet explains how to write the articles that accompanies the pictures. All event reports must be typewritten and double spaced and you must include your sanction number. The reason for this is accuracy of the published article. Many of us do not have the best handwriting and trying to read handwritten pilots' last names can be almost impossible. Check out this information sheet when you get your Sanction packet.
Once the Chapter Report is received, it is put in a "First In, First Out" file. From there, they are reviewed and those reports that are most current, have the highest quality pictures and have not been in High Flight before, will be published first. Occasionally a member will send in a report using the deadlines that appear on the left side of this page, thinking if it gets in "on time" it will appear in the next issue. The deadlines that appear on this page are for new advertisers and contributing feature writers who wish to submit material. There are almost always 20 to 40 Chapter Reports in the files, ready for typesetting and that's why most are printed several months after they are received by us.
If I were to give one suggestion to our Chapter "reporters," it would be to send in the finished report as soon as possible. With only around 25 appearing in each issue, it benefits your chapter to get that report in right away and many Chapters are now "overnighting" their reports using FedEx or the U.S. Mail.
"How come our Chapter Report only appeared on one page instead of two or more!?" With over 600 chapters worldwide sending in reports, chapters may only get a one page "spread", but we try to fit everyone into the magazine.
Finally, I would like to introduce the newest I.M.A.A. Honorary Life Member, Dick Sheppard #3043 from Shelby, Ohio. Because of his long service to our organization in the Ohio area, District III Director, Leo Rodriguez nominated Dick and the Board of Directors approved this appointment at the meeting in June, 1997. Congratulations, Dick!
