I can understand everyone bashing Mitch for his critique
of the CD at the nationals. He invited it, and was
trying to spark some thoughts on why US pilots are
not consistently competitive on the international stage.
The attacks from Mr. Kevin Christner and Mr. Corey
Sullivan were something else entirely. I have only
known Mitch Hudson for a year, but I have found him
committed to giving youth opportunities that they would
not otherwise have in soaring. Mitch once threw me
the keys to his C-120 so that I could remain current
in tail wheel aircraft. He asked nothing in return.
Mitch has allowed my girlfriend to use his discus on
several occasions. He asked nothing in return.

Kevin: As a flight instructor, you should be above
personal attacks like this. That title implies that
you are a professional. Act like one. What kind of
example are you setting for your students?

Corey: Unless you are a flight instructor or A&P, you
should refrain from passing judgment on Mitch or his
glider. As someone whose signature is in his logbook,
I have no hesitation in saying that he is a very competent
pilot. Considering the fact that you are a Kolstad
Scholarship winner and a youth advisor to the SSA Youth
Committee, I am disappointed that you would publicly
mock a fellow pilot’s potential in contests or belittle
his efforts to promote the sport.

Kevin and Corey, you both owe Mitch Hudson an apology.
I only hope that since you were both “men” enough to
attack him in public you will have the maturity to
apologize in public as well.

Regards,

Hugh Grandstaff
(Tail number varies depending on what second hand tow
plane or glider I am borrowing)