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.

FMI: htolson@nccoxmail.com