december 2011 volume 11 • number 12 - American Bonanza Society

IFD54www.bonanza.orgPresident’s CommentsCleared DirectBy Keith KohoutIn a few short years, in 2017, we will celebrate the 50 th anniversaryof ABS. Our point of arrival will be the result of the many members whocontributed their personal time, intellect, leadership, and passion to keepABS a world-class organization. It takes great effort to build upon the legacyof those who came before us. On behalf of the ABS Board and all who havebeen so gracious with their time to this wonderful organization, I am askingmembers to please consider what ABS means to you, and how you canparticipate to make our journey to 2017 successful.This year we have a single goal:bring more services to more members.We’ve asked for the help of BPPPand the ABS Air Safety Foundation tocreate our first online ground school,so our members will have greateraccess to the best Beech flight instructors in the country.We are working with AOPA tobuild a better convention experience.We will hold the 2012 conventionin Palm Springs, California,in concert with AOPA Summit, withour great ABS seminars, personalities,and more. ABS is one of the leadersin the gen eral aviation community,and em braces the concept of buildinga prosperous and meaningfulrela tion ship with AOPA in the future.Our technical advisors are diligentlyworking to create a MaintenanceAcademy for aircraft mechanics. Theseare the men and women who keep ourfleet in the air and our families safe.They truly are the future stewards ofthe fleet. The Academy will be basedon the success of our service clinicsoperating around the country.Our Members Advisory Committeeis beginning work to create a Codeof Business Conduct, to improve ourmembers’ experience with servicepro viders in the care and maintenanceof their aircraft.The Beech Heritage Museum hasagreed to continue its southern hospitality.The museum board and staffhave graciously offered to continuehosting the annual ABS spring Fly-In.Look in future issues of ABS Magazinefor articles from the BeechcraftHeritage Museum about Beech aircraft,history, and the legacy of theBeech family to general aviation.These are just a few of the items onthis year’s horizon for the AmericanBonanza Society. Our commitmentto make principle-based decisionsfor the benefit of our members isbased on the following: Those of uswho have the privilege of flying suchwonderful aircraft have shared manyexperiences with our family andfriends, creating bonds probably unmatched.The sense of communityand legacy we leave for future pilotsand members of ABS is the drivingprinciple behind the Board’s vision.When we arrive in 2017 to celebrateour 50 th anniversary, it’s going to be aworld-class celebration.Just a thought to leave you with:The single most important thing thatkeeps the American Bonanza Societygreat is the relationships we have builtas friends and colleagues. Togetherwith your ideas, participation, andprinciple-based decisions, we cando great things. I look forward to theprivilege of serving the ABS together.Happy holidays, and all the bestfor you and your family in 2012.KeithKeith Kohout is using his backgroundin marketing, product development andfinance to lead improvements in ABSmember services. Owner of a 1967C33A, Keith has been a member ofABS since 2004.CUSTOM GPS MOUNTSMODELS FOR MOST BEECHCRAFTModels for Bonanzas & Baronsfrom $149• Fits Single and Dual Yokes• CNC Billet Aluminum Quality• Easy to Fit• No Modifications to Your AircraftAngerole, Inc. • Charlottesville, VA434-466-3872www.angerole.com2 AMERICAN BONANZA SOCIETY DECEMBER 2011