VAA Tail View JIM BUSHA, Editor EAA Vintage Aircraft Association jbusha@eaa.org
Confessions With a couple of Vintage issues under my belt I guess it’s high time I formally introduce myself to you. My fascination for aviation began long ago, more years than I care to admit, when I was 5 years old. My father tells me I was watching an airplane fly over the old metal swing set I was sitting atop, trying to get a better view, and leaned way back. I proved gravity worked and received a halfdozen stitches in my head; I now carry a souvenir scar covered by streaks of blonde and gray hair—all compliments of aviation. All through grade school I daydreamed of flight and wondered what model I would build next. Unfortunately, a balsa Sopwith Camel was not the correct answer to a math problem when called on by my teacher. I had to wait until I was 12 years old before I was able to escape terra firma’s grip on me. A green and white colored rag-wing Cessna 120 gave me a bird’s-eye view of the city I lived in, and I marveled at the lush green fields, the little Matchbox cars moving about below, and the realization in knowing that flying was more than magic—it was truly a marvelous gift. About six years later I gave myself a little present and began taking flying lessons in a 1967 Cessna 150. One of my instructors had been a B-17 pilot in World War II and had no use for headsets or a fancy intercom; screaming at me seemed to work just fine! After renting nosedraggers for a few years I knew I wanted an old airplane to call my own. I have always been enamored with the old airplanes, especially those from the golden age of flight and into the warbird types. I guess it’s a combination of the history, romance, and a simpler way of life and flying. It’s been more than 12 years ago now since my newborn son bought a 1943 Aeronca L-3 that he lets me fly. Since that time he has acquired two more partners—both his brothers—so I know it’s only a matter of time before they can all legally fly by themselves, forcing me to buy an old airplane for myself. I know that will be a change, and sometimes change is a good thing. For those of you who have been a longtime member of this great organization, then I am quite sure you have noticed some very big changes both in the look and feel of your magazine. Well, before stepping into the role of Vin56
tage editor on September 1, 2012, I was presented with a recent member survey. I read and reread it with great curiosity and enthusiasm and found that there was a wide variety of interests and ideas. As some of you may have noticed, especially with this issue, your voices have been heard. For instance, a lot of you wanted more information on how-to type articles. Starting with this issue you will see master craftsman Robert Lock’s series explaining in detail how to do almost anything. The type clubs thought they were overlooked at times as well, so as a solution to their anonymity they now have their own Type Club Corner where they can share ideas, announce upcoming events, brag about their types, or talk about recent ADs. Remember, it’s first come first served for your articles, so send them to me soon. Another change of the magazine will obviously be the layout, which will feature more stunning photography and more stories about volunteers, restorers, and the pilots who fly these wonderful treasures. At times you may see my scribble inside these pages, but for the most part I have retained the well-known likes of Budd Davisson, Sparky Barnes Sargent, and Robert Lock. You will also see some new faces as well including Mark Carlson, Jim Hanson, John Patterson, and Don Berliner to name just a few. Let me know what you think of the new look—good, bad, or otherwise. The same goes if you have a story idea that’s been swirling around inside your head for a while; send me an e-mail with your ideas and I will help you share it with the rest of the membership. On a final note, it’s up to all of us to help ensure that these airplanes continue to fly for a future generation to enjoy. I took my shoes and socks off, did some high math, and figured it costs 12 cents a day to be a Vintage member. So I am asking all of you to join me in a New Year’s resolution to sponsor a friend, family member, hangar neighbor, or anyone else you associate with who would be deemed worthy to become a member of our wonderful Vintage family. Remember, there is strength in numbers. Just think of the legacy you will leave by introducing someone to Vintage aviation. Blue skies!
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013
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