2024
YEAR in REVIEW
Entering 2024 as a 15-year-old (yes, FMA was founded in 2009) I realized that with age comes responsibility and respect. As we grow, we are more than ever responsible to those who help found the organization, those who contributed along the way, and those who are still supporting FMA through memberships, donations, and other contributions. Thank you for your trust and support over these past 15 years and your help in securing respect from the aviation community. Respect has been gained not only because of our longevity, but by how we have carried out our mission.
Over the years I have, without reservation, balanced the task related to running an organization which grew from zero to now. Many members have assisted along the way however, I too am 15 years older. I feel the time is fast approaching to look for replacements - folks to fill in the slots critical to ensuring FMA outlives its founders. Please contact me if you, or someone you know, can assist in the following areas: Member Relations (recruiting, on-boarding, & retention), Sponsor Relations (recruiting & retention), Newsletter, Social Media, Media Relations, Marketing, Fundraising, Scholarship Administration, Event Coordinator, Procurement, and Volunteer Recruitment. These are just a few areas identified where we are in need of assistance.
As with any good show, magic occurs. When the curtain rises, the show magically goes on. That magic happens, as many of you know, when countless hours are put in by many dedicated members and friends behind the scenes.
A huge thank you to members behind the magic of 2024: Denny Kotz, Mark Schneider, Lynn Postel, Andy Postel, Bob Schwindt, Dave Ostrander, Jocelyn Bew, Marcia Buckingham, Terry Charles, Kent Nicholson, Seth Filip, Mike Dewey, Becky Homet, Don Bilbrey, Don Knight, "JD" John Dyer, Aaron Smokovitz, Mitch Loiselle, founding member Joshua Homet, Aaron Smokovitz, Life members Gary Filip, Steve McCaughey, Alex & Marti Whitmore, and Life member & Board member Louis & Pete Vickerman. There were so many others last year who contributed to the magic: Jana Filip, Hollis Babb, Mark Beeda, Aiden Gleason, Bill Murphy, David Madden, Nidah Safavi, Nancy & Byron Miesse, Paul Czarnecki, Scott Severen, and so many more for supporting this wonderful association of talented and passionate aviator-musicians.
Of the many events we have participated in over the years, Sun 'n Fun & AirVenture are our main gatherings. Members get a chance to see each other face-to-face in Florida and Wisconsin each year to create friendships and renew old ones while collaborating to raise funds and awareness at gigs and other functions. FMA provides volunteer and performance opportunities to ALL musicians. When we receive inquiries from other events willing to donate to FMA for our participation, our members step up to fill the bill. If you know of an opportunity for FMA to raise funds for programs and scholarships, let us know.
Let's thank the many entities who made it possible to do the things we do. Please support them: Sun 'n Fun, DeLand Airport, Midwest Aviation Expo, EAA, LAMA, Honda, Paradise City, Hartzell Propeller, Ultralight Fun Zone, Seaplane Pilots Association, US Sport Planes, and so many more. Visit them at - SPONSORS. Welcome new corporate member, Banterra Bank, who sponsored our Irish Trad on Thursday of AirVenture and the Friday Open Mic/Jam. Banterra Bank's Aircraft Department has also agreed to donate to FMA when an aircraft loan is originated through us. If you, or someone you know, is in the market to finance an aircraft, send them to Aircraft Financing – Flying Musicians Association, Inc.
There have been so many members, over the last few years, who have contributed to the newsletter. View all past posts in the FMA archives. I encourage all to participate in creating articles of interest for your fellow aviator-musicians to enjoy.
With your help, 2025 will be another magical year.
Join us. Volunteer. Perform. Support us.
John
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Sun 'n Fun 2024
Last year we saw lots of activity. Some may know that Florida is known for pop-up storms. We had a doozy! The winds were so strong that both huge blue tents were blown down. Thankfully no one was injured with very little damage to property. Denny and John were sitting on the ramp to the trailer when a a flying projectile from the HUGE tent cleat hit right next to them. That was close.
We had pop-up music too. These impromptu spontaneous musical performances are always magic. We had so many musicians stop by and perform. A complete family from Brazil jumped in and not only provided music but incredible enthusiasm. The FMA Brass performed lead by Lynn Postel on tuba with members Andy Postel also on Tuba, Bob Schwindt and Dave Ostrander on trumpet, Nidah Safavi on french horn, and including Jocelyn Bew, a 2024 FMA Solo finalist, on trombone. We again welcomed Nancy and Byron Miesse to performed old time country. A crowd favorite!
We are very fortunate for members who step up to volunteer. A HUGE thank you to Denny Kotz who not only manned the stage all week but provide lots of music. Life member Gary Filip was very instrumental in proving the basics: drum set, keyboard, bass, percussion instruments, and many other sundries. In addition to his time, Gary gifted us with his musical talents. He also brought along Seth to play percussion and one of his music students, Aiden Gleason, who played bass & keys. Aiden is a very quick study.
Thanks again to the DeLand airport,LAMA, and the Midwest Aviation Expo for once again assisting with our venue, tent, stage, tables, chairs, and other amenities. a HUGE thanks to Lockwood Aviation for housing the FMA BOSE PA system during the year and shipping it to Lakeland. Thanks to Honda for the generator, the many volunteers and last but not least Jana Filip and Scott Severn for their support and patience.
More pictures at Sun ‘n Fun 2024 – Flying Musicians Association, Inc.
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We will once again have a presence at Sun 'n Fun beginning on April Fools Day. If you would like to volunteer with us and perhaps play some music and or jam, contact us now. We are awaiting details as some things are changing.
An Oasis in Paradise City!
The LSA Mall provides a large tent for shade and free bottles of water, thanks to our host LAMA! Our passionate and knowledgeable volunteers will help to educate the attendees on the sport aviation community, assist the attendees with locating exhibitor’s main booths and keep customers comfortable while waiting for a demonstration flight for those interested in making a purchase during Sun ‘n Fun 2025. Several aircraft are on display at the LSA Mall for comparative shopping.
The LSA Mall is located in the heart of Paradise City, adjacent to the newly added Sandbar boasting an airshow viewing area with food vendors and picnic tables. Also, the Flying Musicians Association entertains with live music for much of the day, and the view of the Paradise City Grass Strip is amazing! All can enjoy live music, eat, drink and be merry while enjoying the vast choices of aviation opportunities.
We are hoping that the FMA Brass will perform again this year as well as so many others who have given of their time and talents to move FMA forward. We welcome all musicians to join us.
Want to perform? Volunteer? Contact us immediately for opportunities.
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Midwest Aviation Expo
Are you interested in sport aviation? Willing to volunteer for outreach and music. The Midwest Aviation Expo in Mt. Vernon, IL should be on your list.
Join us at the 17th Annual Midwest Aviation Expo (MAX), held annually at the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport (KMVN) in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. With all segments of aviation welcome, MAX remains focused on its designed goal, and that is to showcase ALL things Sport Aviation. With the unfolding of the MOSAIC rulings, MAX is expected to again grow.
John Vining will be exhibiting and will coordinate music. He will be excited to hear from you if able to assist.
Contact John
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We have been amassing shirts (including v-neck in female sizes), hats, cups, key chains, patches and stickers to assist you in showing your support for the Flying Musicians Association.
Renew membership and for just a little more receive a new FMA shirt and or hat.
A 15yr commemorative cup was sent to all founding members. If you did not receive yours, reach out immediately.
Support FMA with your donation and receive a FREE gift - you choose.
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"I’m an FMA Mentor and a flight instructor (CFI, CFII, and MEI) with a passion to give back a bit to the aviation industry and those who aspire to learn to fly or get an advanced flight rating. I’m a lifetime member of FMA with a love for music, but not a skilled musician. Assisting FMA members to become a pilot or a better pilot is one of my highest interests." - Don Knight | |
FMA MENTOR COORDINATOR
Join us in welcoming Life member Don Knight as he takes charge of the Mentor's Ramp. Don has always been nearby ready to take on the percussion duties at performances from the Sebring Sport Aviation Expo, the DeLand Sport Aviation Showcase, Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, and AirVenture in Wisconsin. We are sure he has been at other events over the past 15 years.
Have you thought about giving back? Become a mentor! The ramp is cleared and ready for you to join us.
Want a mentor? Visit the Mentor's Ramp and reach out to Don to be assigned a mentor.
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AirVenture - Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Join fellow aviators-musicians in Oshkosh for the biggest airplane event in the world July 21-27, 2025.
From professional gigs to an Irish trad session, to open mic / jams, there will be something for everyone. LOTS of aircraft too!
Bring your instruments and lets enjoy aviation with music and friends. Reach out to John for performance and volunteer opportunities.
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IN MOTION
As of this issue, the nomination process is closed for the 2025 program. Forty nominees are completing their profile and the FMA checklist.
Each of the 40 nominees have been on boarded as a new student member. Each has been or are in the process of being assigned a mentor by mentor coordinator, Don Knight. Once they have successfully completed the FMA checklist (found on the website) and their profile, they will receive a welcome package. All who are successful will then be eligible for the finalists selection process.
Please help us with your input on each by logging into the website then selecting Members under the "Membership" menu Item. All you have to do is select filter and then filter by status "FMAsolo 2025" to view those who have been successful so far.
Visit FMAsolo.org for updates, finalists list, and the eventual 2025 recipient(s).
More about the FMA Solo Program – Flying Musicians Association, Inc.
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FMA MENTOR'S RAMP
A suggestion by life member and board member, Paul Shuch, was to ask previous FMA Solo recipients to assist with processing the HUGE numbers of student members signed up each year - especially with the influx of FMA Solo nominees.
As we engaged with each, seven stepped up to assist. One, Jacob Burdette (2020 recipient) suggested we develop a mentorship program similar to what flight departments and airlines use. So was born the Mentor's Ramp.
Even though the idea grew out of assisting students with flight training and music pursuits, there is no reason that seasoned individuals can't benefit too.
Want to become a mentor? Would like to have a mentor? Read all about the Membership program, see who has already signed up, sign up yourself, and or find a mentor at the Mentor's Ramp.
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Perfect Harmony
Founding member Joshua Homet recounts his ascension through music and aviation in this article in the fall issue of AviNation.
Josh joined FMA right out of the blocks. Having just graduated from Western Michigan University and into his first gig as a pilot, Josh heard about the formation of the Flying Musicians Association. He eagerly joined as one of the first founding members and went on to be instrumental in the association’s early endeavors through today.
Read along as Josh takes us through his journey from student to a Gulfstream Captain at FlexJet.
Read more...
Music & Aviation: A Perfect Harmony – Flying Musicians Association, Inc.
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2024 Solo recipient, Levi Schroeder, has soloed. He is scheduled the checkride for the private pilot certificate this month, February, while intently studying for the instrument test.
Read all about his journey at Levi Solos
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2024 Solo recipient, Thomas Ye, is finishing up his senior year in high school.
"I have completed 80% of my ground school studies and plan to take the FAA test before spring break and start my flight training with Aeri Elite Flight Training at the Leesburg VA airport
Read his entire update at Thomas Ye – FMA Solo Program
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Jocelyn Solos
Jocelyn Bew, finalist for the 2024 Solo program, has soloed.
From her mom:
"Jocelyn is flying out of an amazing location, Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville, FL – with both amazing views of the NASA facilities and the Warbird Museum at her airport. She soloed on November 26th."
Jocelyn performed with the FMA Brass at Sun 'n Fun last year.
Read all about Jocelyn's amazing progress at Jocelyn Solos.
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D-Day 80 Anniversary
"Back in June I was able to participate in the 80th Anniversary Celebration of D-Day in France with the D-Day Collegiate Mass Band! It was comprised of current college students as well as collegiate alumni!" - Isaac Hill
Read the story along with awesome photos.
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PAPA Expo
We had an excellent time last year and looking forward to the 2025 PAPA Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dates are June 2-4, 2025.
Louise Vickerman and Pete represented FMA in grand style. Read all about FMA at PAPA 2024.
"PAPA expo went great, was a fun couple of days. I met a LOT of pilots who were also musicians (including many who did a music degree before switching professions!)." -Louise Vickerman
Are you able to Volunteer in 2025? There are performance and outreach opportunities. We will be provide with a 10X10 booth during the expo and other neccessary props.
The Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) was created in April 2017 by a passionate group of airline pilots. What started as a singular group chat between a group of friends gradually evolved into a full-fledged organization, connecting and empowering individuals.
Contact Education@FlyingMusicians.org
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