January 2006

It has been a number of months since this web site has been updated. The reason is really two-fold. First, I have been very busy with other matters (mainly philatelic). Time really flies by when you keep busy! More importantly, however, I have received almost nothing to add to the web site. If this is to be a site of value to aerophilately then I need the help of all of you in keeping the information up-to-date and interesting.

I can’t report new aerophilatelic publications if I don’t know about them. I can’t report new awards won by aerophilatelists if I don’t know about them. I need your input for the “Cover of the Month” feature. Wouldn’t it be great if the “Question and Answer” feature became a real center of aerophilatelic research.

Anyway, I guess that the message is that “I need you.” Take a look at the entire site. See where you can help. We can even add new sub-pages if you have ideas for new features. Information should be sent to me in Microsoft Word if possible as an attachment to an e-mail. Note that my e-mail address has changed to sreinhard1@optonline.net.

Washington 2006

This major FIP exhibition is fast approaching. There will be a Commission seminar/meeting on Friday June 2 at 2PM in the Convention Center. This will be an informal meeting, with no voting, pre-registration, etc. The first part will be a seminar on an aerophilatelic topic of interest. I am in the process of arranging this and will let you know the details as soon as they are in place. The second part will be a “roundtable” discussion among the delegates who are present, where suggestions, concerns, etc., may be brought to the floor. Finally, the discussion will be opened to exhibitors and others who are present. You do not need to pre-register, but I would like to know if you plan to attend.

The American Air Mail Society will hold its annual convention (AGM) May 31-June 2 at the show. There will be numerous aerophilatelic seminars. AAMS will have a lounge on the floor of the show. All are invited to participate, whether an AAMS member or not. AAMS has arranged reduced-rate hotel accommodations at a hotel not too far from the show (a subway (Metro, underground) ride away). For information check the AAMS web site, www.americanairmailsociety.org.

World Airmail Research Center

This brainchild of the American Air Mail Society is located at the new American Philatelic Society Headquarters in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, USA. The purpose of this new “center” is two-fold. First, it is to be the depository of aerophilatelic literature, in all forms, from around the world. It will be a place for aerophilatelists to go and spend days doing research. Secondly, it will be the “home” of the American Air Mail Society, and will be used for seminars, meetings, exhibitions, displays, etc. It is also the home of the Aerophilatelic Hall of Fame.

Contributions of materials and funds will be needed on an ongoing basis. If you have literature to donate, or if you can place the American Philatelic Research Library on your periodical mailing list, please contact me. Cash donations will be used for acquisitions of aerophilatelic materials not now held by the American Philatelic Research Library. Contact me at sreinhard1@optonline.net.

FISA (International Federation of Aerophilatelic Societies)

FISA is an organization comprised of most of the strictly aero (or astro) philatelic societies around the world. Its purpose is to promote aerophilately. If you are a member of an aero or astro philatelic society which is not a member of FISA please contact me for more information.

I hope that 2006 will be a wonderful aerophilatelic year for each of you. I look forward to seeing you in Washington and Malaga.

Stephen Reinhard,
Commission Chairman
sreinhard1@optonline.net