2003 was a bad year. In the flying community, everyone thought they would have anew rule, to some it would give them everything they need, they think!

Businesses have been in decline since 1999, and 1 think they are on rock bottom and the only way from here is up, different, but up for those that stayed the course. I wish them well-they have all been my friends for many years. A whole bunch have supported me when they could, and I appreciate all the help I was given. Sometimes I wish I could stop the aging process and be there for them when it gets good again and the Show Organizers stop shafting the public and the spectators come back in the numbers prior to 1999. But then I wouldn't have for my grandchildren "when I was"! "I walked to school in my bear feet, rump hanging out of my trousers, no breakfasts, up hill both ways in the snow!" You all remember? Well, Jeff and Robie and Artie do?

I went to a Safety meeting put on by John Burton and Greg Harbough at Sun 'n Fun. They came up with a stroke for next year, single seat flying at Paradise City and two place going to South Lakeland. Safety was their prime concern, they said. I believe they have other ideas for Paradise City's grounds. Neither of them have ever had any interest or spent any time there. Anyway the FAA has no problem with what has gone on at Paradise City. After all, we have had four deaths in thirteen years, with five thousand plus movements each year. They have had many more with only arrivals and departures plus the air show. If you are GOING TO FLY TO PARADISE CITY April 14th -20th BE LEGAL or stay at home. Paradise City is where you can see and fly what you may want to buy. You want Static go to DAYTON.

The Tower that was to have been, I do not think will happen. Sad, it would have been nice to have air conditioning, for whoever is doing it. Sad to see ASC let down, too. The Gator tower has done a wonderful job since 1993, it's been copied at Oshkosh and they love it.

On the field there has been a big change around the hangers. Fred is in Bob's and my old one and that's beginning to look like a "Fred Its Got To Right Job. " Jack has bought the Challenger and hanger. The Biker Queen's lay about, Charlie, bought the one next to his and Richard's and sold off two more. Very sad to loose Richard Stephens but he has moved. And also the 1983 original A Model Cobra flown until this year by Hank Zacharias and John Tesinsky. It was sold and hanger changed hands. It was still flying with the same engine and sailcloth, unbelievable but Advanced Aviation made 'em good, back in the good ole days.

Time to sign off and WISH EVERYBODY A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR. MAY 2004 BE EVERYTHING YOU WISH FOR.