Approximately one hundred members, corporate supporters, and invited guests participated in the first annual dinner meeting of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE). Held during AirVenture, members and others were given the opportunity to interact with all nine of SAFE’s elected Directors. The Board gratefully acknowledged the contributions of the entire membership, thanked SAFE’s supporters, and presented plaques of appreciation to members who had joined at the Platinum level.

Two awards were introduced as well: the first was presented to Radek Wyrzykowski (Member #018) “For his outstanding contribution and service by creating [SAFE’s] website”; the second, established as an annual Founders Award, was presented to Rich Stowell (Member #002) “For selfless service in support of the Mission and Vision of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators.”

The Board used the gathering to identify a number of specific goals as well. According to Chair Doug Stewart, “As SAFE moves ahead, it’s important for us to have benchmarks against which we can measure our progress. For example, we exceeded our AirVenture target by growing our membership 22 percent during the week in Oshkosh.” Other goals include doubling both the membership and the number of corporate supporters over the next six months.

The gathering also included a trivia quiz with prizes provided by Russ Still of Gold Seal Live and stand up comedy by Mike Schifflet of MS Aviation.

Many thanks go to NW Insurance Group, Starr Aviation Solutions, & Sporty’s for sponsoring the event; toLaSure’s for cateringthe delicious meal; to the wonderful staff at Wittman Regional Airport for hosting us;to Rose Dorcey for the great photos; and to all those who attended.

Don’t miss next year’s dinner — it’ll be even bigger and better!