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  Created in 1967 by Dr. B.J. McClanahan and Henry Schlossberg, ABS has grown to more than 10,200 members in all 50 states and 39 countries. The Society's significance and services also have grown as it continues to provide a forum for mutual problem-solving, brainstorming and camaraderie for Bonanza, Baron, Debonair and Travel Air enthusiasts. A board of directors was created in 1968, following an exciting first year growth to nearly 700 members. Also in '68, an advisory board of experienced pilots was formed to provide input on program development.  A four-page monthly newsletter was the first membership service. Its successor, the ABS Magazine, contains as many as 100 pages each month. It is the centerpiece of membership services, an invaluable communication tool and excellent source of technical information, knowledge and expertise. By the end of 1969, ABS had grown enough to need a business manager and headquarters. Ralph Haesloop took the job and set up office in the terminal at the Chemung County Airport near Elmira, New York.  Also in 1969, the first annual convention was held in Wichita. The conventions are held around the United States and serve as an important source of aircraft education, information and fun for members from around the world. In 1971, ABS instituted an aircraft insurance program as another membership service. Falcon Insurance Agency, Inc. has been the agent of record for 14 years. A key benefit is that Falcon is not "captive" to a specific insurance carrier, instead searches the marketplace on behalf of ABS members.  Until 1977, volunteers provided the Society's member-advice service. Then ABS hired its first technical advisor — retired Beech Aircraft project service engineer Norm Colvin, who worked for the Society for 18 years. Norm retired in 1995; the following year ABS headquarters was named after him. Neil Pobanz then became the Society's lead technical advisor, following a 32-year career as an aircraft maintenance manager for the military. A cadre of technical experts assists the Society, each with decades of aviation operations and maintenance experience. They provide one-on-one member advice, Service Clinic inspections, involvement in accident/incident investigations and other technical projects. In recent years, a full-time staff position was created to coordinate these ABS activities, and to oversee the development of new member technical services and educational programs.  ABS created the Air Safety Foundation (ASF) in 1979 to develop educational and safety programs and materials through taxdeductible donations. One of its first ventures was the highly regarded "Service Clinic" program featuring visual inspections of members' aircraft by expert mechanics. More than 7,000 inspections have been performed. ASF is also responsible for research and investigative projects for ABS and in cooperation with other aviation organizations. For instance, ABS-ASF has been involved in NTSB accident investigations, worked with the FAA in addressing the controversial tailvibration issue, and partnered with AOPA on spar-web research.  In October 1982, the Society moved into its newly constructed headquarters on Mid-Continent Airport in Wichita, KS. In 1988, the building was expanded to its current size of 3,200 square feet. ABS began its participation in the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 1983 — now called AirVenture. There, aircraft enthusiasts have enjoyed the Society's hospitality tent and attended ABS-sponsored technical forums, "Tent Topics" and special events. In 1983, ABS-ASF created the Beechcraft Pilot Proficiency Program (BPPP), which provides recurrent training in the classroom and through certified flight instruction. Thousands have taken advantage of these excellent scheduled clinics around the country. ABS created a website www.bonanza.org in 1996. The site quickly gained value for easy access to e-mail advisory service; on-line registration for ABS events; connections to fellow members and other aviation sites; and merchandise at the ABS Store. Two valuable website sections are the Tech Tips Archives and Shops & Mechanics Recommendations. The Archives is a searchable database of questions and answers that appeared in the ABS Magazine through the years. Shops & Mechanics is an opportunity for members to share their vendor experiences with fellow members who are looking for service providers. In 1997, a major information resource— the ABS CD-ROM Reference Library—was created. Updated every other year, the CD's search engine provides access to selected topics in all ABS Magazines and Newsletters since 1967, plus an ABS history. Another service, added in 2001, was an economical rental program for certain hardto- find, expensive tools. The tools include ruddervator travel boards for both older and more recent Bonanza models, and an aileron travel board. In 2003, a "Technical Initiative" was launched to address issues of the aging Beechcraft fleet. Another major proactive effort, begun in 2004, was an "Education Initiative." A year later, the ABS Aviator program was created, to promote and reward lifelong learning by members. Both the Technical and Education Initiatives are dedicated to the memory of long-time BPPP Administrator Sam James. In 2006, another member service was created in the form of an informative monthly e-mail newsletter called The ABS Flyer. In its current structure, ABS is operated by a nine-member Board of Directors and an eight-member staff, with Nancy Johnson as executive director since 1997. ABS is a dynamic organization whose strength comes from the participation and enthusiasm of its members. Its services came about because Bonanza, Baron, Debonair and Travel Air owners got involved, working together to identify and address common issues and needs. That dedication has resulted in a truly fine source of model-specific education, information and friendship. |
