Let's Help One of Our Own....
ANN Reader Hubie
Tolson, an accomplished American aerobatic pilot, alerted ANN to a
project that we're pleased to publicize and support...
strongly.
While preparing for the 2003 Haute Voltige Aerobatics Japan
Grand Prix, a very fine Russian flyer (and a heckuva nice guy),
Alexander Krotov, was critically injured in a Sukhoi accident. The
event was canceled shortly thereafter "due to the uncertainty of
the situation, and in order to avoid inconveniences to the public,
Twin Ring Motegi, the Event organizer, decided to cancel the whole
event, including the 19th FAI World Grand Prix."
Krotov is an amazing aviator. Working as a pilot/instructor and
aerobatic competitor since 1988, he holds an 'International Class
Master of Sport' of Russia and finished 2nd in the overall program
of the 2003 World Aerobatics Championships.
The impact was pretty extraordinary and Alexander will be
hospitalized for quite some time. A Husband and Father to two
children, Krotov's medical expenses are expected to be huge and the
effect on he and his family's finances pretty hard to bear. With
the true spirit of aviation in mind, Tolson is organizing
a support fund for Krotov (pictured right) so that his injuries and
recovery may proceed without undue hardship to his family (being a
competition aerobatic pilot is not exactly the highest paying job
in Russia... or over here, for that matter).
Tolson told us that,
"Lena Melnikova, the Russian interpreter who accompanied their
team to the World Championships in Florida earlier this year, wrote
the following describing Alexander’s situation:
'The guys came back from Japan only late last night. I spoke
to Viktor but only briefly.
It is said that Alexander's life is not in danger, but he's
badly hurt, so he won't be transportable at least for a month. His
wife flew there yesterday to be with him. I can't imagine them both
staying there - in a foreign country, no support from friends, no
knowledge of language...
It also seems like they gonna have some financial problems
since they all were not properly insured.
Everything that happened is terrible. It's a blessing he is
alive. That's all I know for now. I'll let you know.'"
Tolson notes that he met Alexander at a number of contests and
that he and a number of his friends know "what a great guy he is,
as all of the Russians seem to be. He’s in a jam now, as the
Russian pilots are not paid very much, have little or no insurance,
and don’t make anything if they can’t fly. I’m
trying to raise some cash to send over to them to help through a
very difficult time, and I’m writing to you to ask for your
help. Any amount will be appreciated and will provide more help
than most of us understand."
Already, a number of flyers have chipped in amounts as high as
$1000 to support their friend, and we urge those of you with a few
extra bucks to chip in, as well. We will, too.
You may send your contributions to the :
Alexander Krotov Assistance Account
% Hubie Tolson
227 East Front Street
New Bern, NC 28560
If you send a check, please let Hubie know by sending him an
e-mail, so he can be sure he gets it before he sends the funds
overseas. He’d like to send this to him next
week. Tolson will forward the funds to Lena Melnikova to
ensure all goes to Alex’s benefit.