It's that time again. Air Trash would like to remind all USPA members to vote for your national and regional director slots. We can't make any recomendations but it's always good to know the people you are voting for. So Air Trash asks you this question. Who do you see at the DZs all the time?

Hi Everyone,

Here's a shot of me at my new job!

I'm working in Santa Monica right now and we often stage by the beach while waiting for a call. It's like Baywatch!!!

Nick
xxx

I attended Harry Leicher’s memorial on Thursday, and I could not get up and say what I wanted to, so I will here.

I met Harry five years ago, when he did my first phase check during my private pilot training. It was immediately obvious that he was like no other instructor. He taught me things on that flight that I never had heard from another instructor or in a book. Harry taught me to fly an airplane “by the numbers”. To make the airplane want to do what I wanted it to do by configuring and trimming, rather than to force the airplane and then trim out the resistance. He said it wasn’t lazy, reducing workload meant safer flight. Harry also recorded his lessons and then gave the tape to his students. I have many, many hours of instruction transferred to CD, including my entire instrument rating, an incredible learning tool. Harry wasn’t just an instructor, he was a teacher. He taught classes at Long Beach City College, gave FAA safety seminars, and his articles were published in AOPA Flight Training and other magazines.

Harry wasn’t in it for the money, and he wasn’t trying to fill his logbook. Harry was concerned about what happened to me when he got out of the airplane. He sent me e-mails with homework assignments. He would take my call whenever he could, even on the lifecycle. He was never late, always cheerful, and always willing to help. Harry would treat me like a friend, and share with me what he loved. With him it was safety first, followed by large helpings of fun. He did everything to minimize risk, and then he stepped out of the airplane. I will miss him. Blue skies, Harry

Danny Bower

Here are a couple of pictures of Harry at the Cable air show. It was one of my last jumps. Not may people will dock on a burning smoke.

Michael

I am so shocked and sad about Harry’s death. I worked with him for 10+ years and he kept us all in stiches with his stories and experiences. When I signed on the computer and saw “It’ll Clear”, it brought a smile to my face. He loved skydiving and I’m sure he is smiling down on us. He used to say he wanted a big party to celebrate when his time came, no sadness. I hope he gets his wish and I would love to be there. Janna, my heart goes out to you. May you find comfort in knowing how many people knew and loved Harry. He was indeed a “character”. BLUE SKIES HARRY!

Love,
Rita

Harry was my first big way coach…His knowledge, humor and yet Firm instruction taught me so much in a few days I will always remember his sayings, and Smile…

Dusty Dave

I don't remember what the message, to his former boss, said. But it ended with " This is the view from MY office window " He was delivering an airplane, flying it back from Oshkosh Air Show.

Fred Basile

Many of you won't know me...but Harry has for about 35 years. I, too, will miss my dear friend. To all, with thoughts of his good nature, I wish you Blue Skies.

Lyle Blaes (scrapperlil@yahoo.com)