Well another flying season has come to a close in many parts of the world. I hope everyone had as much fun flying this year as I did. I started my building season off early this year. I am restoring my first Big Bird: a World Engine Robin Hood 99 designed by Joe Bridi. My dad and I bought it in 1984 as a combo: a G-38 and the kit for $150.00. We started in the hobby together in 1980. He became a member of IMAA in 1985. My Dad loved the magazine, as it was a good way to find out about giant scale and what others were doing in giant scale. I joined in 1988 when we started going to IMAA fly-ins. It is still a great magazine and a great organization. You won’t find a better way to find out what is going on in giant scale than by being a member of the greatest Giant Scale organization in the world!

When I first got involved in giant scale, I never thought that it might take a small loan, in most cases, to own a 35 or 40% airplane! I feel this is why we do not see as many young people in the Hobby. Without a parent’s help, most young people are finding that they can’t afford today’s prices. Those were the good old days when you could buy a G-38 and a kit for $150.00! I am also going to build an Edge 540. I have found it to be one of the best flying aircraft I have ever flown. It does every aerobatic maneuver you want it to perform and it is very docile when just flying around the sky. I just thought you might want to know that your President is still in love with the hobby and big airplanes.

I hope everyone can come to the 2nd annual Winter Rally of Giants. It is being held in Deland, Florida at the Deland airport on Jan. 30 – February 2, 2003. Contact Tom Beckman for more information. Tom’s phone number is 386-228-0700. Or you can email him at brutuslt@webtv.net. You’ll also find a link on the IMAA website: http://www.fly-imaa.org The Board of Directors will be holding the Winter Board meeting in Deland at the Holiday Inn, 350 East International Speedway Blvd on Friday January 31st at 0800. Members are encouraged to attend so that you can see how your Director represents you in the meeting. We will be working on changes to the IMAA budget, and talking about ways of increasing our membership.

The membership has been quiet! Normally I get around 100 e-mails or letters per quarter from our members. This quarter I have only received 10. I care what the members think. My goal is to keep you happy and wanting to an IMAA member. I hope you realize that the Presidency is a large undertaking. I value your input! I hope to see more members at Toledo this year. I am trying to put together a Birthday party for the IMAA membership. I have only heard from a couple of you about this issue. I think it would be a lot of fun. I need to know if members would attend a Birthday party instead of the Auction or would like to be able to attend both functions. We will be serving cake and coffee. Please contact me if you are interested.

I trust that you are as proud of our magazine again as I am. Taylor Collins is a great asset. He has been the driving force in turning the magazine around. If you haven’t had a chance, send him an e-mail and tell him what a great job he is doing. It is always nice to know when you are doing a good job. The Board of Directors and myself wish everyone a great holiday, and a wonderful building season. Remember, whether you’re flying or building, put safety first!