Comments from the Chair

April '08

Hi Troops!

Well, ISAP-VIII was, by all accounts, successful. If you weren't there, you missed a truly special get-together. Stellar performances by many utstanding guest speakers and a superb field trip day were a fine complement to the camaraderie, good food, and the numerous photo ops.
 
We had nearly 150 attendees this year - a near-record turn-out. There were more than a few new faces in the crowd and a big bunch of "old" faces to keep things familiar. A good time was had by all. Only complaint I heard was not enough time to do it all and meet everyone!

It's already time to start planning for ISAP-IX! As I write, your board and I are trying to firm up a date and a venue. The location is Seattle, Washington, and it is likely that we'll set up shop somewhere near Paine Field (north of the city). We're currently accepting guest speaker suggestions, so if you have any, please pass 'em to Chad Slattery or me as time permits. Lifetime Achievement Award nominees are also being considered at this time, so please let us hear from you on same when you have a few minutes. Do keep in mind, on the latter, that "lifetime" means what it implies; think in terms of aviation photographers who have been chasing airplanes and aviation subjects for a long, long time - and doing it professionally!

Field trip options are numerous, but we'll have to keep logistics in mind. Paine Field is probably where we'll spend most of our time. Among the options currently being considered are: Boeing plant tour; new Boeing Future of Flight Aviation Center; the Museum of Flight storage and restoration facility; the Me 262 Project hangar; the Paul Allen collection; and a ramp tour of Paine Field. The Museum of Flight south of downtown Seattle is do-able, but the drive from Paine Field to the MoF is about an hour- and-a-half each way. Nothing chipped in stone, yet, but we're working on it. Check-in here at the ISAP web site for updates.

And don't forget our sponsors when you're out spending the big bucks: Air & Space Smithsonian, AOPA, Canon, Delkin, Lockheed Martin (anyone in the market for an F-16?), and Nikon.

In the meantime, think Seattle! And let us hear from you with ideas, suggestions, and - if necessary - complaints!

Jay