On July 13 of this year we mark the 40 year anniversary of the first contract awarded in the Space Transportation System program. What is popularly called the Space Shuttle was first seriously considered in the ‘50s and was brought to fruition by the United States when STS-1 was launched on April 12, 1981. The idea was to build a re-useable space truck, one that would ride a rocket into space and return as an airplane, making space flight “routine”. When the program comes to an end this year with 139 missions to it’s credit, perhaps the highest praise for the program was that the Shuttle became, at least to the layman, routine. Shuttle Discovery, the highest time shuttle with 39 missions, is slated for display at the Udvar-Hazy center at IAD.

Preparations are well underway for our annual spring party and fund raising auction to be held on April 9 at the Virginia Aviation museum. As in the past we will serve an array of heavy hors d’oeuvres complimented by an open bar. You will have the opportunity to bid during our silent auction and later at the popular voice auction where, once again, Al Orgain will serve as auctioneer. Last year we enjoyed the company of over 200 guests for this fun evening and raised a substantial amount of money to help fund the Society’s programs. I hope to see you and your friends on April 9th.

As an organization the VAHS has dedicated itself to preserving the State’s aviation history. Most of the information in our archives comes from the collections and records of members and include written and recorded memoirs, business records and photo collections. This collection has been used by the Society and outside researchers to tell the story of aviation in Virginia. While we have an excellent collection it is important to add current information and data to our records. If you become aware of a significant event in your area please take a moment to record or collect information to forward to the Society. This information could be in the form of newspaper articles or your personal recollection in story or photo form. History is made every day and we want to see that we can tell the story.

As you know, the Society has embarked on a new version of our long running Oral history program. We are taking advantage of new technology to expand beyond the original video tape recordings to a new, professionally produced, recorded product that will be available on individual DVDs and also on our website. In addition to the new technology the program will have a new name, The Reed I. West Aviation History Project in honor of the donation made by Mr. West’s estate that has made this new program possible. To date 5 videos have been completed and may be viewed on our website www.vahsonline.org. From the VAHS home page click on “History” and select “videos”. A further 20 videos have been contracted for production. Of the later 20 there are 5 currently in work. Board member Courtney Beamon is heading up this effort and brings a great deal of enthusiasm and knowledge to the effort and we owe her our thanks for her work.

The Society depends on the membership to provide nominations to the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. The criteria we use for selection of nominees to the Hall of Fame is listed on our web site. Please review the criteria and consider nominating a qualified person for our consideration.