Off topic I know but............

I saw that XX was returned to the SSA ID pool a while ago. I mentioned it to a friend of mine who was just a kid back in the day and used to crew for Bill Holbrook. George was one of his teen age heroes, so this captured his interest. He called George to inquire if this was a mistake or not. George said no, he was retiring and gave up the number.

My friend then called the SSA and suggested perhaps the number should be retired. They told him they didn't do that sort of thing, a bit understandable to a point as where would you draw the line. But then again..........

He then called the Soaring Museum and suggested they claim the number as a permanent and fitting home for it. They too said "no thanks" to the idea.

I would say his concern was that by just being a number in the pool it might go to someone who didn't appreciate it's history (both here and in Europe).

There is no real issue here to be raised, just thought I'd pass this short story along since XX was mentioned. XX is temporally out of the pool until someone suggests a fitting home for it. I suspect no one over 50 would fly it, as old people like my friend and I get sentimental about things like that.

Last thing, when asked by my friend why he chose XX, George told him that he changed gliders so often XX was the easiest number to "tape on" in a hurry.


GX