Future of the CAF?

Warbird Kid · **Posted:** Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:23 pm

I was just thinking about it, as another succesful CAF Airsho is over.

It sure seems like the CAF is witnessing some changes recentlly.

1. Current President resigns
EDIT:

So whats next? Whose suppose to take the reigns? Also is it a possibility to see the CAF go in a new direction with a new president? Maybe even a TV show somehow?

All just thoughts. Ideas?

Also: Did I miss anything prevalent to this disscussion?

FG1D Pilot · **Joined:** Fri Mar 04, 2005 10:42 am **Posts:** 450

The CAF has had many leaders through out it's 50 years. Bob Rice has been one of the longest (16 + years) and has turned the CAF from a "good ol' boys" club into a well run business. He decided to accept a new challenge and will be missed. A new president will take the reigns soon.
Tex Hill was not one of the founders of the CAF. Although he has been a great supporter. And as of a few minutes ago, has NOT passed.

Taylor Stevenson · **Posted:** Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:35 pm

Change is inevitable. Think back to 1990/91 when the CAF moved from Harlingen to Midland and our founder, Lloyd Nolan, went west. As long as we passionately support the organization, things will go on. I missed the past; I am excited about the future.

Warbird Kid · **Posted:** Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:43 pm

Sorry bout the misleading info. :oops:

Anyhoo, yeah its really great to see somthing like the CAF evolve.

phil65 · **Posted:** Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:05 pm

Gary for President, He needs too wear another hat :wink:

Phil

retroaviation · **Posted:** Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:57 pm

phil65 wrote:

Gary for President, He needs too wear another hat :wink:

Phil

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

:lol:

Gary

Warbird Kid · **Posted:** Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:01 pm

Heck, I'd second it!

It’s a Cinderella Story! :lol:

One lonely Wixer rises to the rank of president of the CAF!

That’s anyone here’s dream!

Well maybe mine!

bdk · **Joined:** Sun May 02, 2004 1:16 am **Posts:** 11330

Maybe we can elect Gary with a write-in vote? Heck, I'd maybe join the CAF if'n I could vote for him!

Eric Friedebach · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2007 12:21 am

phil65 wrote:

Gary for President, He needs too wear another hat :wink:

Warbird Kid wrote:

Heck, I'd second it!
It’s a Cinderella Story! :lol:

bdk wrote:

Maybe we can elect Gary with a write-in vote? Heck, I'd maybe join the CAF if'n I could vote for him!

Wow, I thought you guys liked Gary!

Why would you ever wish to see him in such a thankless position, LOL?

k5083 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2007 8:16 am

Not intending to stir up trouble, but according to Alan's tally, this year's Airsho had a total of 6 fighters and 13 bombers/attack aircraft. Though partly explicable by factors unique to this year, a year-by-year tally would likely show that it reflects a trend. Two questions:

1. Isn't that the lowest turnout of combat-type warbirds ever at an Airsho?

2. Is this something the organization needs to address?

3. If so, how?

August

Dan Newcomb · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2007 10:40 am

To fly China Doll to Midland this year our wing had to charge each crewmember $200.00 to help pay for fuel. Headquarters only picked up half the fuel bill. The same thing happened last year. Some people think we make tons of money but in reality we are lucky if we break even. Many birds are in the hole financially. If the CAF fails to attract new members it will die. The huge amounts of money needed to keep these planes flying have to come from somewhere. I hate to say it but the day may come when we will be forced to be flying billboards for Corporate America. Either that or park all of them and get out our feather dusters. We are always looking for ways to generate money. Ideas are more than welcome.

Dan

famvburg · **Joined:** Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:41 am **Posts:** 540

Holy cow! That's all????? 6 & 13???? Man, I'm glad I didn't make the trek this year, as I had been planning to. Some of us have to work........ I haven't been to an Airsho' in 26 years. What a disappointment I would've had for only 19 a/c. Wow!

k5083 wrote:

Not intending to stir up trouble, but according to Alan's tally, this year's Airsho had a total of 6 fighters and 13 bombers/attack aircraft. Though partly explicable by factors unique to this year, a year-by-year tally would likely show that it reflects a trend. Two questions:

1. Isn't that the lowest turnout of combat-type warbirds ever at an Airsho?

2. Is this something the organization needs to address?

3. If so, how?

August

k5083 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2007 11:38 am

To be fair, there were fairly healthy numbers of trainers and transports, if those float your boat, plus the Tora team, so it wasn't just 19 aircraft. But the combat types are the the big draw, of course, and a useful bellweather of the health of the show, it seems to me.

August

Bill Greenwood · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2007 11:38 am

There were a lot of planes at Midland, and lots to see. I too miss the days of more fighters and bombers, and I don't relish the seemingly inevitalble and sucessuful shift away from the great combat planes of WWII to the modern stuff. I am kind of partial to wars we won, maybe just a personal quirk. The first CAF guy I spoke to after landing made it pretty clear that he was none too glad to see me and/or the Spitfire. BUT THE UTMOST NEED OF THE CAF IS AN INFLUX OF YOUNGER MEMBERS, ALSO MORE LADIES AND MINORITIES. If you look at age, gender etc., our group looks pretty old and white. Hey,everybody do their part. I brought a 22 year old son with me, maybe Doug can bring those young nieces he is always pictured with.

Mudge · **Posted:** Thu Oct 04, 2007 11:54 am

HOLY CRAP, Bill.

Quote:

The first CAF guy I spoke to after landing made it pretty clear that he was none too glad to see me and/or the Spitfire.

What butt head made that comment? And why?

Mudge the incredulous :shock:

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