Election Candidates Biographies

Bill Bassett
An Alaskan resident for forty five years, I live and own a home in Anchorage.  I have worked for Era Aviation for over thirty years in all positions from line and field mechanic to 121/135 Director of Maintenance.    Presently Director of Product Assurance auditing all repair stations and fuel systems Era Aviation contracts with.  Benefactor Life Member of the NRA, member of International Society of Air Safety Investigators, AOPA and EAA.  Have a Cessna 185 on Lake Hood and a Cessna 180 in refurbishment at home.  In my spare time I try to attend several air show around the USA each year, last year Oshkosh, this year Arlington and Reno Air Races.

Erika Bennett
Erika Bennett is a lifelong Alaskan, born at Elmendorf AFB and reared in Kodiak, Barrow and  Anchorage.  After graduating from UAA in 1992 with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism and Public Communication she worked in the film industry for five years and was a charter member of the Alaska Film Group.  Erika obtained her private pilot's license in 1995 and began her commercial career in 1999.  She has a multi-engine ATP and  single-engine commercial instrument rating.  Her  winter employment is with Ryan Arctic Transportation Services flying Cessna 207s and co-piloting CASA 212s in Western Alaska; in the summer she flies Cessna 185s, Beavers and a Navajo Chieftain for K2 Aviation in Talkeetna.  Erika owns a Piper PA-11 and flies it on wheels and straight skis.  One of her dreams was to fly the Iditarod Sled Dog Race as a spectator and has done so ever year since 1999.  In between jobs, Erika likes to mountaineer, ski, raft, hunt and fish with her husband Ross.  She has two stepdaughters Ashley and Emily.

Jim Drew
Jim has been a resident of Alaska for 25 years.  Now retired, he was the Dean Emeritus, School of Agriculture and Land Resources and Management for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.  Jim began flying in the US Air Force and then for the New Jersey and Nebraska Air National Guard.  He is CFII certified and owns a Piper Arrow, that he and wife Marilyn fly each spring to the Lower 48.  Jim and Marilyn are coordinator for the Airmen's Golden Days Fly-in and BBQ.  Jim's aviation goals include keeping flying attractive and affordable.

Danny Graham
Danny Graham, Anchorage, holds a SEL instrument commercial license with just over 2500 hours. He flew part 135 for Clearwater Air out of Soldotna in 1999 and loved every minute of it. He recently sold a 1969 Cessna 210 and after he and his wife built their new dream home here in Anchorage they will be on the market for a good Alaskan plane to replace it. Danny is a licensed Structural Engineer and a partner in an Architectural and Engineering firm here in Spenard. He flies a lot for work. He is a Rotarian and belongs to the IFFR, the Flying Rotarian’s group. Danny has also flown over 100 Young Eagle’s for the EAA program. He and his wife, Jean, have been married 16 years and have a stepson who currently lives in California.

Fred Lark
With over 30 years as an aircraft owner/pilot flown Alaska, all of North America  and  Caribbean, Fred Lark also brings 44 years of extensive experience in the communications/public relations/marketing arenas to the Board table ( which I feel are vital to the advancement of aviation in Alaska). My experience includes: Mountain Search Pilot Certification, Consultant to AOPA, represented AeroShell as their international pilot/aircraft owner for the introduction of 15W50, serve as Essential Air Service Media representative for the National and Governor's Task Force, active participant in aviation trade shows and was Rockwell International's General Aviation Businessman Pilot of the Year.  Fred is an active promoter of aviation safety, security and..... in all arenas.

Joan Massart-Paden
A strong supporter of Airmen activities, Joan has served on the Board as Treasurer and Secretary. She currently chairs both the Scholarship and Finance Committees. She regularly volunteers at the Alaska Aviation Trade Show, and other Airmen events. Joan was one of the original participants in the inaugural flight to Russia. She is a previous dispatcher for Island Air Service in Kodiak and is working on her private pilot certificate.
Joan and her husband, Brian, own a PA-18 Super Cub. Her son is a new commercial pilot working in Fairbanks for Frontier Flying Service.

Mary O'Connor
I have been an Alaska resident since 1998, when I moved here with my job. I am a commissioned officer with the U. S. Public Health Service, assigned to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. I’ve been involved with the Alaska Airmen’s Association’s events and activities since I’ve been here, including the trade shows, poker runs, fly-ins  and various committees. I have been a pilot for fourteen years and am a CFI; I also take classes part time at UAA in hopes of obtaining an A&P certificate. I own a Cessna 150 and a Cessna170B. I love flying in Alaska, and am interested in keeping Alaska safe and accessible for all types of aircraft.  

Marc Paine
Raised on a homestead in Rabbit Creek, Marc has been a pilot for over 20 years and is the founder and Chief Flight Instructor of Unusual Attitudes LLC at Merrill Field, a flight school that teaches unusual attitude recovery, stall/spin awareness and aerobatic flight.  Marc is a skilled instructor adept at teaching pilots of all skill levels new ways of thinking about the principals of flight and mastering the airplane in every attitude.  He is an FAA Safety Counselor, and a regular speaker on Stall/Spin Awareness at FAA Safety Seminars held throughout Alaska.  Marc’s teaching directly targets and impacts the stall/spin fatality rate that plagues Alaskan pilots. 
He is a distinguished graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and a former U.S. Army Special Forces Officer, Airborne Ranger, and Jumpmaster.  He commanded a combat dive A Team and worked projects throughout the Middle East and South America. EMT qualified, Marc is an active member and instructor with the National Ski Patrol and patrols regularly at Alyeska during the winter.
Marc holds all airplane fixed wing ratings and endorsements and instructor certificates through Multiengine Instrument.  He can be seen nearly everyday at Merrill Field flying or instructing in 1AC, the blue and white Super Decathlon.

Russ Painter
Russ is a life-long Alaskan who has been flying privately since 1969 and commercially since 1973.  He currently owns a Cessna 180 which he operates on floats, wheels and skis off of Lake Hood.   After seventeen years on the wait list he finally secured a float tie down in 1994.  His commercial flying career started with Wien Airlines, where he flew the Twin Otter, F-27 and the Boeing 737.  Russ is now an Anchorage based Captain, on the Boeing 737, for Alaska Airlines.

Ellen Paneok
My family is originally from Kotzebue, Alaska, although I was raised in Anchorage. When I was 16 years old, the Native Corporation that I am a member of sent me a dividend of $1,500.00. That was the opening for me to learn to fly. By the time I was 23 I had my Commercial Pilot Certificate, my Instrument rating and my Flight Instructor’s Certificate. In 1983, my first flying job was in Kiana, Alaska flying a Cherokee Six. I have flown a total of 27 years, 17 of those as a commercial pilot in remote Alaska, and logged almost 14,000 total flying hours. I carried everything from dynamite to live wolverines, the US mail, passengers and medivacs. I now have my Airline Transport Pilot as well as a Multi-Engine and Instrument Flight Instructor’s certificates. I also worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for nearly six years as an Aviation Safety Inspector. I also participated in aviation safety programs given by the Alaska Aviation Safety Foundation. I have been on the Board of Directors for the Alaskan Aviation Heritage Museum for 3 ½ years and fly some of their antique aircraft for various events. I am also on the Board of Directors for Challenge Alaska as acting secretary. I have done talks for organizations throughout the US in order to promote and foster aviation in the hopes to inspire other people, young and old alike. I have also participated in mentorship programs for Junior and Senior high school girls. When not flying, I write articles for magazines and do ivory scrimshaw.

John Pletcher
I have a background in law and business which may be of assistance in the management of the affairs of the Association and in fund raising.  My flying expertise is that I am in a learning mode, having become a commercial/ instrument/ sel/mes /mel/ mes/ pilot with combined 3300 hrs.  I fly a Grumman Goose and a C-185 on wheels, floats and hydraulic wheel skis.  I served as the legal officer of the CAP Polaris Squadron, took the basic aircraft accident reconstruction course at UAA taught by the NTSB, and passed the basic Learn to Return course for self recovery and rescue in aviation related water accidents.  I am a member of a number of aviation associations: AAA Life Member#106, AOPA, EAA, Lake Hood Pilot’s Assn (co-founder), Seaplane Pilot’s Assn.  I spent 23 years of my legal career defending against accident claims including many aviation accidents, through which I became acquainted with liability and insurance issues relating to flying operations, both commercial and non-commercial.   I currently serve on the Lake Hood Master Plan Technical Committee.  Having been involved with a major aircraft rebuild (Goose), and later involvement with the STC process including test flights for aux fuel tanks I have some knowledge of dealing with the FAA on field approvals and SCT’s.

John Pratt
John has been a member of the Association for over 20 years and has served in several administrative positions during that time. He was involved in obtaining nonprofit status for the Association.  He has served on many state and local aviation boards, committees and commissions and is a past vice-chair of the Statewide Advisory Council for Vocational and Technical Education for UAA and is a member of the Industry Advisory Council for the UAA Aviation Technology Division. He holds a commercial license with an instrument rating for SEL and MEL aircraft, and a SES endorsement. He is a CFI, A&P and holds a FAA Inspection Authorization (IA).

George Watlers
George Walters was born and raised in Arlington, Virginia, and completed his education in Arlington.  Even at a very young age George dreamed of flying small airplanes, and with that dream began to mold his own future.  He began his aviation career in 1957 at the Washington/Virginia Airport in Arlington.  After his schooling, George served with the Seventh Special Forces in South Vietnam as a senior medical advisor.  During his time in the military, he became an accomplished parachutist and jumpmaster.
George has called Alaska his home for the past 39 years, and in that time has done every kind of flying imaginable, mostly on floats and skis.  For several years, George worked for Unalakleet Air Taxi who had a contract with Alaska Airlines to deliver mail up and down the west coast of Alaska.  Later on, he managed six village stores on the Yukon River for Northern Commercial Company using his plane to get from one place to the next.  In some cases, George found that flying was not only a way of life, but also a way to save a life, transporting individuals with critical health conditions to the nearest hospital.  While employed by United Lumber and then URESCO, George flew around Western Alaska bidding on boardwalk and laundry/shower facility projects, and, in general, drumming up business.
Along the way, George has owned three airplanes.  He purchased his first airplane, a PA-12, in 1966, then a C-172, and finally in 1983 he purchased a C-185 in Grand Junction, Colorado.
George holds the following certifications: commercial, instrument, multi-engine, CFI single engine and multi-engine, CFII, helicopter, glider, and is an A & P mechanic.  He also holds a Bronze II rating in hang gliding.
George is a very strong advocate of training and safety, which is evident by his standing as a FAA Safety Counselor and his involvement with many safety meetings working with Bethel pilots on various issues, most recently the CAPSTONE project.  George is employed by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service where he is a mentor to many of the Service pilots.  He flies research support missions when not training.  He is a Captain in the Bethel Civil Air Patrol and is involved in teaching and putting on safety meetings.  In 1998, George was named FAA Safety Counselor of the Year for Alaska, which explains his nickname of “Mr. Safety”.
George has just celebrated his 44^th year of flying, accumulating over 22,000 hours.  George says that much of his success as a pilot has been his own passion for the work, which was greatly influenced by some very instrumental people and incredible mentors he has had along the way.

Election Candidate Questionnaire
We asked each candidate to answer the following six questions in two or three sentences, their individual answers are included here for your information.

Why are you interested in running for the Board of Director's?

• Bill Bassett:   Believe I can continue working as a board member of the Airmen’s Association promoting representation for general aviation, safety and keeping unnecessary government regulations to a minimum
• Erika Bennett: I am running for the Board of Directors because I want to give back to an organization that has helped me and supported me as a general aviation pilot.  I also believe I have a fresh perspective of the flying community which would be beneficial to the Board.
• Jim Drew: The Alaska Airmen’s Association is the largest organization dedicated to supporting general aviation in Alaska.  As such, the Board of Directors of the association acts directly in advocating actions that keep airports, public services for aviation, and regulatory requirements for aviation positive for Alaska’s general aviation’s pilots and support industries. 
• Danny Graham: I’m interested in running for the Board position because of my endless love of aviation and a desire to contribute to the growth and well being of general aviation in Alaska. I currently sit on the BOD of a large architectural and engineering firm and also a medical manufacturing LLC here in Anchorage. Participation is the key to success of any organization.
• Fred Lark: The Alaska Airmen's Association has a huge amount of impact in the aviation industry; in Alaska and nationwide.    I can assist and add to that impact and awareness through safety, security, survival, and aviation communications risk-management.    And, of course, the Alaska Airmen's Association knows how to have fun and enjoy the thrill of flight in the Last Frontier.  The Alaska Airmen's Association is simply a Great Organization for the Aviation industry.       
• Joan Massart-Paden: I am running for re-election to the Airmen’s Board of Directors because I continue to believe in the value of the Association to General Aviation in Alaska. I have seen through my active role how important a united voice is to protecting the rights and safety of Alaskan pilots. I am dedicated to the mission of promoting General Aviation in Alaska.
• Mary O’Connor: Because I think it is important to maintain a strong and united voice promoting and protecting general aviation in Alaska. I have enjoyed working with the Board and the members in the past and feel I have the energy and experience to continue to make a positive contribution in furthering general aviation.
• Marcus Paine: The biggest issue facing general aviation in Alaska in my opinion is safety.  General aviation is sacred to us Alaskans and yet it claims far too many lives each year.  And I think those lives are lost needlessly.  I am in the business of aviation safety and I have a vision of the Airmen playing a much bigger role in this area.  The Alaska Airmen Association is ideally situated to take a leadership role on the issue and can be the one vehicle for effective change in the aviation fatality rate in Alaska.  I want to help make that happen.
• Russ Painter: The Alaska Airmen’s Association has become the major advocate for the preservation and promotion of general aviation in the State of Alaska.  I would like to help in these efforts by continuing to serve on the Board.
• Ellen Paneok: I feel that I can help make a difference in Alaska’s general aviation issues as a strong advocate by working with the Alaska Airmen’s Board of Directors. Through this Board I want to contribute to the preservation of this state’s general aviation status and help it grow. I am a dedicated and passionate aviation enthusiast and want to be a working part of the aviation community.
• John Pletcher:   I am interested in promoting a series of ideas and activities involving general aviation.  This can be done better as a part of a group than individually.
• John Pratt: I believe that an individual should always return more to an organization or cause than they get from it. As a Board member, I am able to serve the interests of the membership and to enhance Alaskan General Aviation.
• George Walters: I have been on the board of directors for several years now and would like to continue as the Western Alaska Regional Director.  I feel that Western Alaska still needs a strong voice on safety related issues.  Bethel is the fourth busiest airport in the state, and as it continues to grow will demand more emphasis to safety. 

What expertise do you bring to the Board of Directors?

• Bill Bassett: Have been a pilot for 38 years, an A & P mechanic 35 years and I.A for 31years, believe that my background in aviation can be beneficial to the Airmen’s board.
• Erika Bennett: I will bring nine years of Alaskan flying experience to the Board, and the viewpoint of a person born and reared locally.  I have a diverse work history that has taken me to every corner of the State.  I have ski and snowboard instructed, worked in film and television production and been employed at remote lodges throughout Alaska.
• Jim Drew: I have been a pilot since 1952, first in the U.S.A.F., then in the Air National Guard, and then in general aviation.  My professional career was in university education and administration; now, in retirement from university service, I am an active CFII.  In addition, I serve on a number of aviation – related committees in Interior Alaska.
• Danny Graham: I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering and have the experience of having sat on many boards in the past and would like to actively be involved in the AAA.
• Fred Lark: With over 30 years as an aircraft owner/pilot flown Alaska, all of North America and Caribbean, I also bring 44 years of extensive experience in the communications/public relations/marketing arenas (which I feel are vital to the advancement of aviation in Alaska). My experience includes: Mountain Search Pilot Certification, Consultant to AOPA, represented AeroShell as their international pilot/aircraft owner for the introduction of 15W50, serve as Essential Air Service Media representative for the National and Governor's Task Force, active participant in aviation trade shows and was Rockwell International's General Aviation Businessman Pilot of the Year.  Active promoter of aviation safety, security and..... in all arenas.
• Joan Massart-Paden: My experience as Secretary and Treasurer of the Board, and as Chair of the Scholarship and Finance committees gives me a clear perspective on the direction of the organization. I am active, not only in the aviation committee, I am also very active in the Alaska business community. My job with Klondike Advertising brings me into contact with all venues of Alaska industries.
• Mary O’Connor: I am active as a pilot in general aviation and am an interested aviation community member. I travel throughout south central Alaska for work and for pleasure and see the importance of aviation in communities and for individuals.  I value the freedom and flexibility that aviation gives to people and allows them a lifestyle that is unique to Alaska.
• Marcus Paine: I fly everyday.  I teach good pilots how to be better, safer, more competent pilots and less apprehensive about flying.  I routinely see the mistakes made by pilots especially in the stall/spin area.  These mistakes are made by good pilots because of incomplete initial training and lack of recurrent training.  I bring to general aviation the knowledge, understanding and skill of aerodynamics and flight until now routinely left in the aerobatic community.  As an FAA Safety Counselor and an aerobatic airshow performer and instructor, I know how to peg the fun meter safely – and “safely” does not mean boring!  Being safe means understanding and trusting the laws of aerodynamics, understanding and trusting the structural limits of the airplane coupled with effective stick and rudder skills.       Perhaps most valuable is the common sense I got growing up in the mountains of Alaska on a homestead. I also bring the experience of two former careers – an Army Special Forces officer and more recently as a lawyer, to the table. 
• Russ Painter:  I bring to the Board over 35 years of general aviation experience, 31 of those years as a commercial airline pilot in the State of Alaska.  I also bring to the Board the desire to preserve and advance general aviation for pilots today as well as future generations.
• Ellen Paneok: I have 27 years Alaskan flying experience, 17 of those as a commercial pilot in remote Alaska. I also worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an Aviation Safety Inspector. As an advocate for aviation safety and general aviation I have given many talks to various aviation safety, museum and scholastic organizations in Alaska and throughout the United States and I have written aviation safety articles and programs. I have also acted as an advocate through the Congressional Delegation regarding various issues.
• John Pletcher: I have 27 years Alaskan flying experience, 17 of those as a commercial pilot in remote Alaska. I also worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an Aviation Safety Inspector. As an advocate for aviation safety and general aviation I have given many talks to various aviation safety, museum and scholastic organizations in Alaska and throughout the United States and I have written aviation safety articles and programs. I have also acted as an advocate through the Congressional Delegation regarding various issues.
• John Pratt: I am fortunate that my vocation is also my avocation. I have spent my career in aviation and from a pilot perspective. I hold a commercial pilots license with single and multi engine land ratings, single engine sea rating, and an instrument rating. I hold an A&P certificate with an Inspection Authorization. I am a small business owner and am a member/officer in three other non-profit organizations. Within the Alaska Airmen’s Association, I have been a Board member, corporate officer, and have served on and chaired numerous committees. I bring a sense of historical perspective and business acumen to the Board and span the lines of various aviation and membership organizations.
• George Walters: Four decades of involvement in aviation in Alaska gives me a vast knowledge of aviation issues affecting Alaska’s pilots.  The safety issues addressed by the FAA, Safety Foundation and Airmen’s Association are of great importance to me and something I would like to see all Alaskan pilots benefit from.

What issues are the Airmen tracking that you have an interest? 

• Bill Bassett: One of the current goals of the AAA is to get aviation mechanics involved with the rules that affect their future.  The FAA’s guidelines on Field Approvals has seriously restricted innovative ideas and made many aircraft illegal outside of Alaska.
• Erika Bennett: The airplane landing access issues that the Association has been tracking interest me greatly.  I would like to have a hand in making sure that current access to landing on public land is not restricted and helping clarify where it is legal to land for general aviation purposes.
• Jim Drew: My interest is in maintaining an effective overall system for servicing general aviation. Specifically, this includes Airport Maintenance, Flight Service Stations, Air Traffic Control, Flying Safety Programs, Weather Reporting Systems, and improved tools for the continuing education of Alaska pilots. 
• Danny Graham: Access to area such as Chickaloon Flats, and access to all public lands for the airman of Alaska.
• Fred Lark: All areas involving the Federal Aviation Administration, the new route to Russia, land and water aviation, airport improvement, and public relations.
• Joan Massart-Paden: I remain interested in the creation of tower farms to eliminate the congested airspace in areas of heavy aviation usage. I am interested in the Field Approval process and I am dedicated to making sure Anchorage International Airport does not eliminate General Aviation from its master plan.
• Mary O’Connor: I am interested in the Kenai Wildlife Refuge landing issue as well as other issues involving regulations that affect pilots and aircraft owners. One example is the change to the field approval process; it is critical to involve and inform pilots about changes that may affect their lives and livelihood.
• Marcus Paine: The airspace issue of the Anchorage bowl is an ongoing interest especially as it affects general aviation in our community.
• Russ Painter:  Areas of interest are, FAA’s Field Approval changes, Anchorage International/Lake Hood GA Master Plan, Scholarship programs.
• Ellen Paneok: The Governor’s Aviation Advisory Board, as I hope it to become permanent, for it is in the best interest not only for Ted Stevens and Fairbanks International airports but Alaska’s rural airports as well. The VFR Route to Russia, for it keeps building positive relationships between our two countries. I also appreciate the Airmen’s efforts in aviation education, aviation safety meetings and protecting the rights of pilots.
• John Pletcher: Opposition to the 360 ft Morris Communications tower (actively opposed and spoke against at the public hearing); Broaden Capstone; Field Approval of Modifications; Closure of Flight Service Stations; Opening of VFR routes in Russia; Ramps at Lake Hood
• John Pratt: I believe that continued access is an issue we must keep in the forefront; Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have a potential for hazard for GA; and the safety/operational implications or ownership cost escalation is an issue that must be followed.
• George Walters: I would like to see the Airmen expand the scope of sponsoring educational scholarships to qualified Native Alaskan pilots in the Yukon Delta other remote areas of Alaska.  I would like to see the Airmen’s Association continue its focus on involving the younger generation of pilots in our organization and attract other young pilots to the organization.

Please list other issues you would like to see the Airmen become involved.

• Bill Bassett: The Airmen’s now number over two thousand members.  The Airmen’s need to set a goal for three thousand, with these numbers regulators and politicians listen to their constitutes more than an individual with a problem or concern.
• Erika Bennett: I would like to see the Airmen become more involved in our schools, encouraging aviation education and awareness.  I also envision the Airmen helping pioneer new approaches to general aviation flying in Alaska's National and State Park systems.
• Jim Drew: I believe the Airmen should continue to support the development of WAAS and CAPSTONE in Alaska, encourage the implementation of additional weather cameras in Alaska, and recommend ways of making new aviation technologies affordable for general aviation.   These issues are all part of enhancing aviation safety.
• Danny Graham: Maybe more public knowledge and involvement in the aviation industry. The continued growth of safety of all our airmen, and plain enjoyment that aviation brings to our personal lives.
• Fred Lark: Further promotion and development of aviation safety, cockpit management, proficiency sessions for all members both ground school and actual aerial procedures, and more promotional activity informing the general public of the benefits of general aviation especially since 9/11 where GA has been identified as a threat of the general public.
• Joan Massart-Paden: I would like to see the association deepen its involvement in statewide and rural Alaska issues. I would like to see aviation fuel costs standardized in rural areas. I would like the association to become more involved in promoting General Aviation in Middle and High Schools throughout the state.
• Mary O’Connor: I would like to see the Airmen's Association stay abreast of any additional regulations that will affect the locations to which we fly, the way in which we maintain our airplanes and the promotion of safe flying in Alaska. There are many reasons in today's environment and economy not to fly, we need to focus on the reasons and methods to keep flying, and to keep flying safely.   
• Marcus Paine: I would like to see the Airmen take a leadership role in promoting effective aviation safety in Alaska.  Presently no organization or entity is providing effective leadership in this area.  Despite the lip service to safety heard these days, Alaskan pilots and their passengers continue to die in an alarming rate – and that rate will not change until we find a way to provide an effective means of identifying the problems – the causes – and finding solutions which will work in the real world.  The Airmen should take point on this issue and make it a priority.  Let’s work together to stop the needless carnage.
• Russ Painter:  As a frequent user of the Lake Hood waterways, the most pressing issue that comes to mind is the growth of vegetation in Lake Hood and Lake Spenard that causes loss of water rudder control.            
• Ellen Paneok: I would like to see pilot safety seminars statewide and promotion of aviation careers focused on local and rural schools and possibly other organizations.
• John Pletcher: (1): Possible substitution for lost FSS facilities;  (2): Firm position on Lake Hood boundaries;  (3): Improved runway at Lake Hood
• John Pratt: I believe that continued access is an issue we must keep in the forefront; Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have a potential for hazard for GA; and the safety/operational implications or ownership cost escalation is an issue that must be followed.
• George Walters: I would like to see the Airmen expand the scope of sponsoring educational scholarships to qualified Native Alaskan pilots in the Yukon Delta other remote areas of Alaska.

• I would like to see the Airmen’s Association continue its focus on involving the younger generation of pilots in our organization and attract other young pilots to the organization.

What approach would you recommend the Airmen take to resolve these concerns?

• Bill Bassett: Increase the membership, get more members volunteering their time and expertise not only statewide, but also those who are members living in the other forty-nine states.    
• Erika Bennett: The Airmen's Association could solicit volunteers from its membership to visit middle and high schools' aviation or science classes and present personal viewpoints to being involved in general aviation.  Field trips to airports sponsored by the Association through schools would also encourage interest and awareness in aviation.  Evening or weekend seminars by the Association detailing landing access and restrictions inside Alaska's National and State parks would encourage general aviation use of the areas leading to less chance of future access being restricted.
• Jim Drew: The Alaska Airmen’s Association could appoint two or three committees to identify high-priority improvements for general aviation and ways to implement these improvements.  These reports would then be summarized in a formal annual report to the Alaska State Legislature and Alaska’s Congressional delegation, as appropriate. 
• Danny Graham: I believe that our membership needs to grow such that we will have the strength needed to have a valid position in the minds of our state legislators. We have valid issues and must speak to regulators with strength, organized people are politically strong.
• Fred Lark: Since I am a media professional and have the experience, knowledge, and expertise in the media I can arrange the most beneficial exposure for the Airmen to set up media days, media trips, media information sessions and media tours so "they" (the media) can inform the public the real benefits and assets of general aviation.  It would be beneficial for the Airmen to promote lower 48 pilot travel to Alaska through promotional trips and tours. 
• Joan Massart-Paden: I would like to see the Association’s Executive Staff travel throughout Alaska on a regular basis, meeting members, aviators, and aviation industry leaders to discuss rural Alaska issues and concerns. I would like to see Board Members participating in public process and planning meetings. I would like to see Board Members serving as mentors for General Aviation in schools.
• Mary O’Connor: I support the Airmen's Association in reaching out to mechanics to provide a united voice to protect changes to regulations. We need to advocate for mechanics and the manner in which they are allowed to maintain aviation safety.  Resolving any concerns can be facilitated by good communications and the open door policy of the Alaska Airmen's Association in responding to member's concerns and their issues. 
• Marcus Paine: I have seen Alaskan pilots learn about yaw, understand and fly though stalls safely and competently that develops immunity to spins.  We can do it.  Safety does not come from simulators and enhanced satellite navigation.  It comes from basic stick and rudder skills in an airplane.  Skills that today are considered advanced training but which really are the essential building blocks of quality basic flight instruction at the primary level.   I’d like to see the Airmen provide effective leadership on this issue.
• Russ Painter:  I would encourage the Lake Hood maintenance staff to investigate ways to manually clear surface vegetation from the main taxi areas.
• Ellen Paneok: Through a proactive event-based project, pilots and passengers in rural and local Alaska could be more exposed to aviation safety related subjects. Through this same process, children in schools would be shown that aviation careers in Alaska are important for them to consider.
• John Pletcher: FSS:  promote cross training personnel at existing NOAA and NWS stations to provide full service FSS facilities in locations where FSS have been closed or operations reduced: e.g. Yakutat. Work with the TSAIA administration within the Master Plan process to encourage a fixed boundary for Lake Hood and establish a policy resisting further incursions into GA space by the TSAIA administration. Field approval problem:  work with the FAA to determine those modifications which truly require engineering review and allow the others to be sanctioned by field approval as before. Capstone:  work with the industry to lower the cost  and  then encourage voluntary application of the features of Capstone in GA operations through Phase III. Promote 4500 ft paved (and immediately adjacent 2500 ft gravel) runway at Lake Hood, parallel to Postmark Dr, (south east end approach beginning at the presently existing snow dump).  This can be done in the context of the Master Plan or independent of it. Promote fixing the Lake Hood public west ramp and possibly developing a south pothole ramp.  The first is simple, the second not. Tower proliferation solution:  consider a tower farm where all could be located and work with broadcasters to limit the total number of towers by piggy-back agreements for joint use where possible.
• John Pratt: As with many other issues, continued involvement of the Board, staff, and membership is crucial to ensuring our goals are met and our positions accepted and implemented. Cross flow of information and ideas is necessary and membership notification of positions, events, and activities is required.
• George Walters: At the present time, Bethel has a new flight training center called Yuut Yaqungviat, LLC., which means “where people earn their wings.”  This school has several Native Alaskan pilots from various villages undergoing flight training to earn the necessary ratings to become local pilots on the Yukon Delta.  Some students are funded through various Native corporations, however, there are a few students that require additional funding and this is where the Airmen’s Association could possibly grant scholarships.  I believe the best way to involve and attract younger pilots to our organization is for the Airmen’s Association to have a subcommittee comprised of young pilots from various parts of the state.

What events have you attended this past year?

• Bill Bassett: Have attended all Airmen sponsored events this year with the exception of Dawson YT due to smoke and gas prices, Valdez with no fresh water float plane lake.
• Erika Bennett: I am a regular attendee of the Aviation Trade Show every May and occasionally get the time to attend the annual banquet or holiday get-together.  I also enjoyed the AOPA Town Meeting hosted by the Airmen's Association last spring.
• Jim Drew: During 2004 I attended the Airmen’s Trade Show in Anchorage, Alaska, the Airmen’s Fly-in at Dawson, Yukon Territory, and organized the Airmen’s Aviation Appreciation Day Fly-in at Fairbanks, Alaska.  
• Danny Graham: I love the museum, but my favorite time of the whole year is the Airmen’s Expo show in May. My wife and I look forward for spring time because of the show.
• Fred Lark: The Alaska Airmen's Association Annual Aviation Conference and Trade Show.
• Joan Massart-Paden:. I regularly attend Board Meetings, have attended the following events in the past year: Board Strategic Planning Session; Hall of Fame Event; Tradeshow and Vendor Reception; Member Banquet; Marion Blakey’s Reception; and numerous committee meetings. I also am a regular visitor to the Airmen’s office. 
• Mary O’Connor: I have attended the Annual Fall banquet, the Hall of Fame Dinner, the Alaska Aviation Conference and Trade Show, pilot      safety conferences, as well as Alaska Airmen's Association Board of Director's meetings, the Strategic Planning Meeting, and meetings of the Scholarship and Finance Committees.
• Marcus Paine:  I attend or participate in most Airmen events throughout the year, and have since I joined years ago.  They are too numerous to mention here.  I’ve attended the Airmen’s Trade Show each year since it started, and I’ve exhibited a booth for Unusual Attitudes LLC for the last three years and will do so again in 2005.  I helped the Valdez Fly-In and Airshow; an annual event co-sponsored by the Airmen and had the privilege of performing there as well, and will do so again in 2005.  I hope to see all of you there along with Tony and his 185!
• Russ Painter:  In the past year I have attended two of the Anchorage/Lake Hood GA Master Plan meetings, Airmen’s Annual Banquet, Airmen’s Holiday Party, Aviation Museum     Dinner/Fund Raiser, attended numerous Board meetings and worked both days of the Trade Show.
• Ellen Paneok: I attended the Aviation Community Reception for FAA Administrator Marion Blakey held in August (2003), the Alaska Airmen’s Annual Membership Meeting and Banquet, and the Pre-Holiday Celebration and Open House. I also attended all of the Hall of Fame Banquets and most of the Alaska Airmen’s Trade Shows (including this year’s). In addition, I am a regular contributor to the Airmen’s publication, “The Transponder”.
• John Pletcher:    I have participated in the Trade Show in the past by displaying the Goose and in 2000 provided courtesy flight for guest speaker Scott Crossfield.  Fly-ins/ air shows:  Elmendorf Air Show. Fly-ins at Palmer, Soldotna and Juneau. Fly-in and picnics at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum (provided the Goose substitute for PBY fly-by in 1999).  I have not attended any dinners or banquets. 
• John Pratt: I have worked the Trade Show, Membership meetings, Board meetings, committee meetings, and various other events. I have been involved with ad hoc meetings with members and have represented the Association in both scheduled and unscheduled meetings and activities.
• George Walters: Aside from attending the Aviation Trade Show in May, I have not been able to attend any of the other events sponsor by the Airmen’s Association this last year, mainly due to my busy flying schedule.  Living outside the immediate vicinity of where these events occur makes it challenging to attend.  Participation in the monthly meeting are accomplished by teleconference, but again are sometimes hampered due to a vigorous work schedule.