Lancair Builders, Flyers, And Fans... Unite!

Aero-News received word this week about the creation of LOBO -- the Lancair Owners and Builders Organization, a new support group representing Lancair aircraft enthusiasts.

LOBO is the end result of a group of Lancair owners and builders who believe their community faces major challenges best met with an organized, united membership speaking with one voice. LOBO seeks fellow Lancair aircraft enthusiasts to build an active, involved membership and realize its vision and rather ambitious goals.

The Lancair Owners and Builders Organization was co-founded by Jeff Edwards, Robert Pastusek, Claudette Colwell, John Halle and (in the interest of full disclosure, former ANN staffer) Mark Sletten. The group's primary goal is to promote the safe use and enjoyment of Lancair aircraft through education, training and fellowship.

Additionally, LOBO safeguards and furthers its members' interests with regulatory agencies, the general aviation community and the public at large.

"LOBO is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to promote the safe use and enjoyment of Lancair aircraft of all types, with an emphasis on owner, operator and builder education and training," said Edwards. "We will build partnerships to enhance communication and cooperation between our members, Lancair International Inc., aviation training and insurance providers, manufacturers supporting Lancair aircraft, regulatory agencies and the wider general aviation community."

Representatives with the group tell ANN that LOBO has been endorsed by Joe Bartels, owner of Lancair International Inc. News of the group's planned formation also received an "enthusiastic" reaction from the majority of attendees at the annual factory-sponsored Lancair fly-in at Hot Springs, AR.

"We believe strongly in improving and enhancing Lancair aircraft safety through training. Coupled with better communication between our members and insurance providers, improved safety will help our members better control skyrocketing operating costs," said Pastusek. "LOBO will also work closely with the FAA and other regulatory bodies, both US and international, to avoid intrusive rules that might affect our membership."

"LOBO encourages the safe enjoyment of Lancair aircraft through the fellowship of Lancair enthusiasts," added Colwell. "To do that, we will plan and organize membership-supported fly-ins, meetings, forums, symposiums and other gatherings. And all of our gatherings will be open to the public so we can share our appreciation of these fine aircraft with the wider general aviation community."

FMI: www.lancairowners.com