Comments from the Chair
February '07
Well,
we're on the home stretch now for ISAP-VII. It's looking to be another
first-class event, thanks to the efforts of my partners in crime - Chad
Slattery, Denny Lombard, Andy Wolfe, Richard VanderMeulen, Michele
Peterson, and your Board of Directors. And let me not forget to give a
pre-event thanks to our ever-faithful sponsors, Canon, Nikon, Lockheed
Martin, the AOPA, Delkin Devices, and Air & Space Smithsonian.
Without the latter, we most certainly would not be able to provide the
high level of presenters and field trips that we have enjoyed every
year since our inception.
We have some seriously
special treats in store for everyone, not the least of which is the
hotel that will be serving as our venue. The Hilton Garden Inn is a
first-class facility located in an idyllic spot on a strip of beach
between a large bay and the ocean. I received an update from them a few
days ago on room rentals, and for those of you who have not made your
reservations, it is starting to look tight. Let me recommend, one more
time, that anyone intending to make it to ISAP-VII take the time to
call the hotel today, if not sooner, and book a room. The rate is
special for ISAP attendees. The phone number is 866 916-2999. Ask for
Group Rates and then give them the code ISA.
The field trip
to Hurlburt AFB is not yet chipped in stone, but it is looking good. If
it comes to pass, there is a very good chance we'll have photo access
to some very unusual flying machines, and there's also a good chance
that a firepower display will be given. Aircraft in the Special Ops
fleet that operates from Hurlburt AFB include several different
Lockheed AC-130 Hercules configurations, the Bell/Boeing CV-22 Osprey
tiltrotor, the Sikorsky CH-53E Stallion, and several different types of
Russian aircraft, including at least one Antonov An-26 and at least one
Mil Mi-8 helicopter. We'll know more about this in a week or two.
Do
let us know, as soon as possible, whether you can make it. We're in a
head-counting mode right now, and more than anything, we simply need to
know how many of you will be attending. Be there, or be square!
See you March 15!
Jay