I FINALLY GOT A COPY of the much-debated article this afternoon and have a few comments to make about it. The article is titled "Mission Out of Control" and is found in a very liberal publication called Details Magazine, July issue. The magazine itself is mostly about being wild, and sowing wild oats — geared towards moral-less young people between the ages of 19-35.

I was at the DFW airport yesterday and went looking for a copy. They only had the June issue and the content was as I just described, mostly how-to articles about "getting laid," etc. I suppose you could say it attracts 'losers' who feel some need to read articles on the subject. :-)

If I were you (and I'm speaking to those of you who have seen the article and are upset enough to write the editor about it) I would just let this thing go. Given the editorial 'quality,' content, and the targeted readership, the editor will care less about anything you say. Furthermore he may make even more light about our hobby based on your letters. Your letters will, predictably, please him and he will think he scored big. Let's not give him that satisfaction.

The author of the article had several phone conversations with myself, Mark Clark, and others. After the 3rd or 4th call I could tell that this guy was "just not getting it" because he would ask the same questions over and over again. He did not get it right, or never really intended to. For example, I offered to review the text for technical accuracy. He asked for my e-mail address but nothing ever showed up.

As you read through it, you'll find it is self-contradictory. The title does not square with the content. How can this be something out of control when the FAA admits they grant waivers and monitors the activity?

For the most part we (Tripoli, the NAR, and the hobby) have enjoyed good press coverage over the last few years. There is always going to be one or two that will not go our way. Let's just let this one go and refuse future interviews with anyone representing this publication.