Following is a column of news about pilots and events sent in by our members.

Jeff Willoughby appointed Vice President for Aviation Achievement

Jeff Willoughby, host and organizer of the 2001 IDPA-USA Fly-in at Lee's Summit, Mo., has been appointed Vice President for Aviation Achievement, IDPA President Clyde Smith has announced. "I will work with Jeff to set up a record book recording deaf pilots' accomplishments as best as we can. Of course, Cal Rodgers will be the first person mentioned in our record book for his successful 1911 coast-to-coast cross-country. Then we will mention Rhulin Thomas [who in 1948 flew coast to coast in his Piper Cub]."

Jeff, by the way, made his first solo April 18 at Lee's Summit, and hopes to have his Private Pilot certificate by the time of the Fly-in in June.

Jeff Willoughby and his instructor, Joe Towns, after Jeff's first solo last April 18 at Lee's Summit, Mo., where the 2001 IDPA-USA fly-in will be held.

IDPA-USA welcomes the following new members:

Willi W. Reif of Summerfield, Fla. He is a hard of hearing pilot who uses a bone conductor aid and flies an Aeronca Champ out of Leeward Air Ranch. He is a World War II U.S. Army Air Forces veteran who was a B-25 flight engineer and top turret gunner with the Fourteenth Air Force (Flying Tigers) in China. His e-mail address is willi@hitter.net.

Charles McFarland of Kingswood, Texas. He is a pilot for Continental Airlines in Houston and is experiencing a hearing loss, though he is still hearing. He learned sign language a few years ago and enjoys it, although he admits his expertise is "somewhat limited." He owns a Beechcraft Baron and says he would like to increase his ability to work with deaf and hard of hearing pilots. He can be reached at contactp@flash.net.

Scott R. Hamm of Lawrenceville, Ga., is a new deaf associate member. His e-mail address is scotth@i-sphere.com.

Helen Gardner of Killarney Heights, Australia, who wrote article about flying at Lake Keepit in Australia, has become an associate member for two years. She is deaf. Her e-mail: hmgardner@bigpond.com.

Helen's friend, James O'Malley, also of Killarney Heights, is a hearing pilot who works in a travel service. His e-mail is flybfree@bigpond.net.au.

Other News

Bob Walker, a student pilot, says he'll start working on his kitplane as soon as he gets settled in Hobe Sound, Florida.

John DeNaples has bought a new glider and is treasurer of his newfound glider club in North Carolina.

Henry Kisor and Clyde Smith are planning to fly their Cessna 150s to the Cessna 150-152 Club's 20th anniversary fly-in at Clinton, Iowa, July 20-22.

IDPA-France, which was to celebrate its 5th anniversary with a three-day fly-in May 11-13 for 70 participants at Graulhet Airport near Toulouse, reports that it now has 86 members.