President’s Message - March 2007

On April 4th, we will meet to choose new oicers for our Pilots Association here at Sparta. It is very important for all of you to attend and to step forward to volunteer to ill one of the following positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

Over the last two years the pilots association has been very successful in keeping 8D4 the kind of place we can all enjoy and be comfortable with. However, it is more important than ever to keep up this good work. The attempts to make rule and policy changes is a never ending process that needs our diligent participation and watch dogging. For this reason alone, I do not intend to disappear from being involved. I would still like to keep the channels open with he Village and work with them to shape 8D4 for the future.

As George Washington set the standard of two terms in oice as the normal, (I am not comparing myself to good old George in any way) I think two years as President of the Pilots Association is long enough. It is time for new energies, new ideas, new blood… I would like to see someone with enough time to get out a regular newsletter, with contributing authors, get some by-laws in place, and bring new fun activities that we can all take part in.

There is still much to do at Sparta and the future looks very bright. Please step up to the plate and take the Pilots Association to the next level.

Other News:

• Word has it that the PAPI lights are now certified. Great news!
• I think that the GR VOR may be out for good due to the snow caving in the roof and destroying much of the equipment. As in other locations where VOR antennas have been damaged, the FAA tends to spend their limited resources on GPS and not repairing these very old structures. Makes me wonder if installing a VOR radio in my new RV is a wise move? NOT
• Barry Buchanan has gone back to Illinois to run the family farm and take up lying there. The Sparta Flight School may continue under new management. I understand aircraft are being sought and instructors being lined up. Good news I hope. Competition is always a good thing.

Finally, Annual dues need to be paid at this meeting. Several have already paid. The dues are primarily used to pay for postage etc.

Hope to see a full house at thee next meeting.


Paul Kovalak
cell: 616-240-4289
p k o v a l a k @ c i t y s i g n e r e c t o r s . c o m