Dear gotovkotzepkoi,

First, thanks for keeping this thread active! "Any publicity is good publicity", or something like that. I would reply via private phone call but I have no way of knowing who you are.

You are 100 percent correct that a Duo Discus, K21 or Grob 109 would be easier to rig, easier to pretty up and more exciting. However, the complications include the requirement that we not maintain ship in airworthy status to reduce insurance costs and exposure to SSA. There is also the issue of availability. I personally emailed and called several supporters of Soaring and none were in a position to give significant financial aid to this project.. As a result I was left to continue pursuing the project on my own up to the point that the SSA Board began to see the possibilities.

If this project works we see the need for two more ships to base across the country. As Frank pointed out the savings in fuel and convenience make it sensible. So, if you have a fiberglass ship to donate to this project please identify yourself. Even if your contribution is just a small cash donation we still welcome your gift to the Eagle Fund. I can be contacted by using the SSA Member Locater function on the SSA Web.

Hopefully you agree that interacting with kids and adults at air shows is a worthwhile goal. I hope you agree that placing the individual in the cockpit is better than having them remain beyond arms length. I agree that a fiberglass ship would be better. But we must use the resources available to us..

Sincerely
Lane Bush