SAFE MEETS WITH INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT DURING AIRVENTURE
SAFE had numerous opportunities to meet with representatives of both industry and government during AirVenture. Although all of the planned meetings with FAA personnel were canceled due to the shut down of the FAA by congress, Doug Stewart, Bob Wright, Pat Knight and Rich Stowell spent about an hour with Earl Weener, who sits on the National Transportation Safety Board. The "general aviation accident rate and pilot professionalism" which are on the NTSB's "Top Ten Wanted List" are his responsibility. Earl is a GA pilot (he flew to OSH in his own Bonanza) and truly "gets it". He sought SAFE out for our perspective because as he puts it: "You (SAFE) are the folks who are really stirring the pot." We look forward to working with Earl, as we move forward with implementing the projects and recommendations coming out of the Pilot Training Reform Symposium.
Doug Stewart and Bob Wright also represented SAFE in a meeting of the Flight Training Association Alliance, chaired by AOPA. Each of the member associations of the Alliance (SAFE, NAFI, AOPA, EAA and FSANA) reported on accomplishments since the last meeting held at Sun N Fun, and then discussed how to move forward addressing issues of aviation safety and growth. Some of the actions coming out of this meeting fall in step with symposium recommendations.
SAFE VOLUNTEERS STEP FORWARD TO SPREAD THE SAFE WORD
The SAFE tent, sponsored by Lightspeed Aviation, was well staffed with volunteers who helped spread the word about the mission and vision of SAFE to those who stopped by to learn what we were all about. By the end of the week 40 new members had signed up, and 45 members renewed their membership, thus taking advantage of the great benefits provided by Gleim, Sporty's and ASA to all those folks who joined or renewed during AirVenture. Thanks go out to: Michelle Bassanesi, Terry Brandt, Bill Castlen, David Dempsey, Bill Ervin, Mike Garrison, Mary Holtschneider, Anthony Johnstone, Carol Jensen, Elaine Kauh, Kathleen Marr, Jeanne MacPherson, Bill Ross, John Schmitz, Soliman Shenouda, Jack Vandeventer, and Lou Wipotnik. Also thanks to Directors Mark Adams, Tom Benenson, Larry Bothe, Cliff Chetwin, Alan Davis, John Dorcey and Donna Wilt, who all spent a great deal of time providing services at the SAFE tent.
SAFE ANNUAL MEETING / DINNER A ROUSING SUCCESS
Over 160 people attended the SAFE annual meeting and dinner, sponsored by Starr Aviation and Aviation Insurance Resources, held on July 28th in the Wittman Regional Airport Terminal. Although the dinner competes with the "Gathering of Eagles" fund raiser held concurrently by EAA at the same time, we still had many special guests attend, including: Allan Scrader, president and CEO of Lightspeed Aviation; Julie Filucci, manager of the Cessna Pilot Centers; Hal Shevers, founder of Sporty's who is celebrating 50 years as a CFI; Eric Radtke, president and chief instructor of Sporty's Academy; Jennifer Storm, director of Public Relations and The Flight Training Initiative at AOPA; Ian Twombly, editor of AOPA's Flight School Business e-publication; John and Martha King; Mike Kerwin and Mike Adams, both vice presidents at AVEMCO, and Nathan McLaughlin, Aviation Training Consultant with Gleim Publications. Unfortunately the lack of funding for FAA reauthorization prevented John Allen, Mel Cintron, Van Kerns, Kevin Clover, Phil Randall and Bryan Neville from attending.
Chairman Doug Stewart presented a report on the past years accomplishments and then presented the annual Founders Award for "Selfless service in support of the mission and vision of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators", to Bob Wright, and the Service Award to Glenna Blackwell. He also presented the "Hangars on Award" to Cliff Chetwin, Alan Davis and Ralph Polmiller for "Valor above and beyond the call of duty in the path of extreme danger on behalf of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators" for their actions when the tornado hit the SAFE tent during Sun N Fun this past spring.
Attendees then had the opportunity to hear Ansel Brown sing his original song, "When You Fly". A fund raising raffle was also held with the following great prizes being offered: from Hilton Goldstein, a one year subscription to Wing X Pro; from Tyson Weihs, two one year subscriptions for ForeFlight; from Phil Appley a one year subscription to Enflight flight planner; from Sporty's a CFI flight bag, and a Mission Flight Bag; from Russ Still of Gold Seal a variety of prizes, including 2 iPad kneeboards, 2 "Art and Science of Better Landings, 2 "Squawk VFR" dvds; and 2 "Learn to Fly" 3-packs; also raffled were a 3-pack of Rod Machado Books, and a DVD of the first season of the Aviators. SAFE thanks all those who generously provided prizes as well as all those who purchased tickets. The funds that were raised will go a long way to help defray the costs of the meal.
SAFE GAINS NON-PROFIT STATUS AS A 501(C)(3) PUBLIC CHARITY
Just a few days before the start of AirVenture SAFE chairman Doug Stewart received word from the Internal Revenue Service that SAFE had been granted non-profit status as a 501 (c)(3) organization. The effective date of the tax exempt status is October 8, 2010. Stewart said that with this status SAFE can now actively solicit tax deductible donations not only from corporations, but from individuals as well. Already a very generous individual has stepped forward to offer a fantastic flight opportunity that will be raffled off at next year's Sun N fun. As soon as all the logistical elements are in place the full details will be announced. There are also several other initiatives aimed at receiving tax deductible bequests, devices, transfers and gifts consistent with our tax exempt status.
SAFE WELCOMES GARY WIGDAHL AS NEW eNEWS EDITOR
SAFE extends a warm welcome to Gary Wigdahl as the new editor of the eNews. Gary's past experience as editor of the magazine of the Professional Photographers of California, and the Palomar Airport Association newsletter, as well the fact that he is a CFI, CFII and MEI has him well prepared to takeover the reins handed down by Rich Stowell, who has been providing yeoman service as the creator of the eNews and the editor from it's inception up until now. Our heartfelt thanks go to Rich for the fantastic job he has done, and our gratitude to Gary for stepping forward to relieve Rich of this one of many things that Rich does for SAFE. 
