UFO Honors Three Aviators at Annual Meeting

DALLAS TX- Members honored three people in aviation during the 2013 United Flying Octogenarians Annual General Meeting. Frances Bera was honored with a certificate.  " The United Flying Octogenarians take great pleasure in honoring UFO member, Frances Bera, for her outstanding accomplishments and contributions to aviation.  Fran is a stellar representative for all that the UFO stands for, longevity and safety in flying, the camaraderie so close to the heart of senior pilots, and inspiring youth to fly. 
Fran Bera's exemplary record of achievement will continue to inspire all pilots everywhere, but particularly UFO and women pilots."

She was chosen by NAA for an Elder Statesman of Aviation Award for her more than 65 years service to the aviation community.  The holder of multiple aviation ratings in airplanes, helicopters, and balloons, Ms. Bera received her jet rating at age 70. She has owned a flight school and aircraft sales business, and served as chief pilot and instructor on numerous occasions.  She has won the all-woman transcontinental Powder Puff Derby seven times.  She is a member of the Women in Aviation Hall of Fame and is listed on the Wall of Honor of the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum.

 

Fran Bear was also made an "Honorary Member of the United Flying Octogenarians". She graced the audience with a fitting response.

Herb Sloane, Esq. a Memorial Award: "This Award is given posthumously in recognition of the many years of service and devotion to the United Flying Octogenarians by Herbert K. Sloane, Esq. Herb was a member of the UFO for 18 years, serving the organization that he loved as a member of its Board of Directors and as Secretary/Treasurer. His experience and counsel in legal matters was given without reservation. His wise guidance to the Board was essential as the UFO grew and changed through the years.

Herb's love of aviation and his beloved Ercoupe carried him aloft [over Wetumpka, Alabama] to become the oldest UFO to still be flying at 98 years of age.  The skies will miss his presence, as will his colleagues in the United Flying Octogenarians." Pat Sloane, his wife accepted the Award.

Tribute to Paul Poberezny, given posthumously - " As aircraft homebuilder, military pilot, and founder of EAA, Paul Poberezny's accomplishments are legendary and the basis for being named our first Honorary Member (2011). Notwithstanding, it was Paul's signature phrase that he was a millionaire because of the million friends he had made in the world of aviation that endeared him most to UFO members.  From its inception the United Flying Octogenarians have camaraderie, a stated purpose in our Charter.  Paul Poberezny took it a giant step further by establishing the EAA and the greatest gathering of pilots of all ages at Oshkosh.  In so doing, he brought the joy of flight into the living rooms of the world and lasting prestige to the United Flying Octogenarians."A charming EAA Vice President accepted the Award.

Organizational business of note, the UFO membership ratified the Board's move to make the UFO a 501(c)3 organization. Also, the outgoing President, Don Newman, presented the incoming President, Warren Wood, with the Presidential gavel at the end of the ceremonies. FMI: http://www.unitedflyingoctogenarians.org/ - Courtesy of Don Newman, UFO Past President, for Alabama Aviator.