forwarding a post from a Kosovo pilot

[Dan T]

This post was in my inbox, a few days old.
dan t, almost out of baghdad

Dear CHGPA and flyfolks,

Greetings from Kosovo. I've been here two years, but am now pulling up tent pegs fast. I would have posted this on the CHGPA Forum, but maybe since I go there too infrequently either my username and password have expired, or my brains defuncts on which to use, or both. I have re-re-re-registered, but sitemeister MARK has not yet slipped me the key. Would someone DO ME A FAVOR AND POST THIS? on both PG and HG pages? And -- since the e-addresses I'm using are from 2-3 years ago-- could anyone who sees a kaput email among my addressees, maybe forward this to others for me?

Kosovo as you know is Europe's newest republic--declared independence in Feb 2008, has put in place a solidly democratic Constitution and laws, has some 60 countries and now the IMF (are we there yet?) recognizing Kosovo, and in time even Serbia will get past the denial stage. And our Veep, Joe Biden, will be here this week to meet with Kosovar leaders. But enough op-ed page, and yes, this is about free flight.

The Pristina AeroKlub (theoretically all modes of flight, but in practice about a dozen active PG pilots) is being invited to all local flyfests, even flying alongside Serbian pilots, where, happily, all put aside the political squabbles. Kosovo's PG team did OK in Slovenia, even better (third) in Croatia, and just came back from Vlora, in Albania. I was invited, to join the K-team, but I am busy packing. My buddy Hizdri was no. 13 among 150+ competing pilots in Albania.

The Albania Open is not on their website yet (www.aeroklubiprishtina.com/lajmet.html), but you can read all about 'em and prior competitions (esp if you can read Albanian) and check out their fotogallery (I'm in a few snaps in there, too), if you are curious about Balkan flying. Less effort: attached are 5--6 snaps of local flying.

I know that several of you were next door in Sopot, Bulgaria, a year ago, and I just saw that Dan Tomlinson went back for more Balkan bagwinging in April. So I know that there are some committed internationalists among CHGPA stalwarts. Here comes the pitch...

Wouldn't it be neat to have the world's newest country represented in one or another upcoming flying event? What I am looking for is advice on a friendly PG fly-in, with a bit of competition, NOT the U.S. Nats or other big hairy XC event. Maybe not for this year, since want to be back in U.S. to squire my Kosovar flying buddies around. (and I will be in NoVA only for ca 5 weeks July and take off for Baghdad around aug 25.) But if we found the right event, an invitation from the sponsors might help do 2 things: one, get them some help from the Ministry of Sports to spring for airtickets; and two, just maybe help them get visas from the U.S. Embassy, which can be stingier than you'd think.

So I'd really just like your thinking. Best (for them probably, and for me for sure) would be an event in the East/ mid-Atlantic, months May thru Sept, and preferably where 1) I could do provide some car support; 2) we could camp out near the site, and 3) there might be some friendly U.S. pilots to give 'em a couple of days of home stay in a city. Maybe six to eight pilots would actually be able to come. And if not in 2009, then in 2010.

Hey, if this happened, it would be history! Kosovo is one of the few places in the world where they positively LOVE the U.S. and Americans. Pristina has both a Bill Clinton Blvd, and a Bob Dole Avenue. It's sometimes weird being here.

These pilots are great guys (and one or two very occasional gals). Here's a pic of a few of us on Kacanoll Mountain on a gorgeous, if not very soarable, flying day. Meet some of the pilots, from left to right: Gezim, Hizdri, Samir, Fadil, and YHS.

Thanks to someone for posting this (and pics?) for me. I hope to see some of you in July-August.

onward, upward -- John

[brianvh]

Ya know, it would be nice to have the full name. 'John' doesn't do much to narrow things down.

[carweill]

His full name is John Anderson.

He was a member of CHGPA started HG converted to PG.

Last I heard he travels all over the world and has and interesting list of places he's flown


Carlos

[Dan T]

John's email is johnmax76@hotmail.com. Could someone contact him and let him know how to reach us again.

He sent a bunch of pictures that I haven't had a chance to open yet.

I'm home on about the 17th.

Dan T

[chgpa]

The Tater Hill Open might be a possibility:

http://www.flytaterhill.com/

MarkC