Letter from the President
The Winter season is in full swing and VASI continues it's mission to maintain the long term viability of the Venice Airport. Many of you have read letters of criticism of the airport in the Gondolier and on this website. At this time these do not appear to be an organized effort such as seen many years ago. The VASI Board decided not to respond publicly at this time, rather let these isolated letters pass for now. We did send one writer a copy of our airport FAQs to inform him of the true facts concerning the history of the airport. The best thing for you is to practice “Fly Friendly” procedures in your daily flying. Of course, as a private citizen, if you would like to write the Gondolier a letter with your positive opinion of the airport, that wouldn't hurt either. Not advocating a major write-in campaign, just if you feel the need to express your opinion.
Speaking of “Fly Friendly” procedures, I met with Airport Manager Mark Cervasio and he gave me several copies of the procedures, which I volunteered to post at different airports when the “Lunch Bunch” travels around the State. Posted at Punta Gorda and Williston this week! In addition, EAA gave me a few minutes this week (thanks Dennis) to review the procedures with those pilots, and emphasize the importance of “Flying Friendly”.
I also showed Mark the brochures from Bartow Airport showing their direct dollar contribution to that local area. Three fold , full color, glossy paper, professional design brochures, which I urged Mark to produced for our airport. Even volunteered VASI to help write the brochure if airport would pay ! I then invited Mark to give us an airport update at next month's meeting, March 20th. He will cover this years projects, wash rack, Taxiway “D” extension, and future plans. Not stealing his thunder, just a preview. Also at that meeting retired G. E. Engineer Terry Viel will give a presentation on G.E. Jet Engines. Many of you flew these engines with thrust ratings from 20 to 40,000lbs, now G.E. Engines routinely produce 115,000lbs of thrust!! His program will include R&D and testing of these engines.
VASI is very excited by our scholarship program this year. All the publicity of the impending pilot shortage has created interest in an aviation career, either pilot or aerospace engineer. Doug Griffin, our scholarship chairman, has identified several well qualified candidates at Venice High School, who will compete for our two $500 scholarships. In addition, Doug is managing a $10,000 flying scholarship from “Sun n Fun” to a local student! It was an easy choice to select Doug for Scholarship Chair, as you can see he is running with it!
Several of our full time residents expressed having VASI meetings all year, including Summer. Knowing that we “thin” out during these months, I spoke with Local EAA Chapter President Dennis King about hold joint meeting during the Summer months. Many of us are also EAA members and combining resources seems to make sense during these months. One meeting, one speaker, same amount of fun!! After all, we already cooperate with EAA by having our picnics right after EAA Young Eagles to complement that event. More info later.
Remember, in your daily travels express the “Fact” that KVNC is, if not the best, one of the best GA Airports in Florida!! Well, that's all I have for now, see you at the March meeting if not before.
Dave Wimberly
VASI President
Dave Wimberly
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