The Tucson shootout was great this year. I am currently one of the board members of the TIMPA club which hosted the event. Many of the people who attended the event probably saw me assisting in the parking arrangments on Sunday. I was out at the field for all four days of flying. I was truly impressed with some of the things that I wittnessed while working the event this year. First off Jason Shulman you are one class act hats off to you and the same goes for Mike McConville. I saw Mike win a new DA50 engine and then he proceeded to give it to intermeidate flier Antonio Watkins who crashed in the eairlier rounds. I think that shows what kind of a person and competeor that Mike is. I talked with most of the top pilots and when I mentioned I would be starting out in basic next year they were full of encouragement and help in getting me set up right. The guys from Aerotec and DA were very helpful too. The guys from DA offered to help with my plane and radio setup if I had any problems. Overall what a great experience. I have attended the shootout in the past but none were as good as this one. I can tell you that all of the TIMPA members that worked the event had a great time and the flying was the best. I would just like to say thanks to all of the TIMPA volunteers and to our President Mike Cummings without his efforts this event would have never happened. Next year will be even better. All of you fliers and spectators that are interested in this type of flying do yourself a favor and attend next year.

Rick