ORIGINAL: MinnFlyer

This has been mentioned before, First Maiden, First Kit, First whatever, and the answer has always been "No".

There are many "Firsts" in this sport that deserve a hearty congratulations, But the ATTABOY is for First Solos only.

The reason I came to this decision, is that a first Solo is the first really monumental achievement, that gives most people a real sense of euphoria, bordering on giddiness, and the ATTABOY is just a little memento of the occasion.

It sort of boils down to this: A solo flight makes you feel like a kid again, and the ATTABOY is given much the same as a kid is given a balloon after his first visit to the dentist. Now, should 40 year old get a balloon after getting his first crown, or root canal?

When given their ATTABOY, most people are really excited, some think it's cute, and a few others think it's dumb. I had even gotten to the point where I didn't hand one out unless specifically asked.

If we handed them out for each and every "First" several things would happen. First, the ATTABOY would lose some of it's charm, but more importantly, by the time people get established in the sport, a lot of the euphoria dissipates - Someone who's been flying for 10 years but just built their first kit may not want any fanfare.

On the other hand, I've never turned down someone's request for an ATTABOY for special occaisions. I've gotten PMs saying things like, "My son just did "so and so" and would LOVE one of those ATTABOYS. Could you... Etc"

No prob. I'd whip one up for him.

So the bottom line is, they can be handed out SPARINGLY for other achievements, but only if specifically requested by the achiever