Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport

I attended the first annual Charlottesville PieDown yesterday.  Yes, the first annual Cville Piedown, held at Mudhouse on the downtown mall.  This event, a competition for the title of Charlottesville Pie Master, was phenomenal.  Not just because it was fun, or the pies pretty and delicious, or the company wonderful, but because this all came about as the result of Twitter.  Unbelievable I assert, that over 30 people filled Mudhouse to standing room only on the Sunday of a holiday weekend, just to watch 5 people eat pie (and get a tiny taste if patient).  Mayor Norris was there, participating as a judge (lucky!) and before it ended Congressman Tom Perriello stopped by as well.  The event was well covered  by both The Daily Progress and NBC 29.  All because they follow social media darling Twitter. 

Count me among them. 

What does twitter mean to me?  A FAST, let me repeat, FAST and easy way to find and communicate with corporate customers, colleagues (local and otherwise), and friends or family in 140 words or less.  Already a person of few words, I confess I love it.  I might even receive complaints, but that is encouraged.  I want to be trusted and available, and want the opportunity to tackle a problem if at all possible.  In addition, Twitter allows all followers to see the post and response, promoting sharing and creativity in a new and improved way.  Following peers in aviation, I am able to network more than before; and, following news (or anyone!), the opportunity to hear it first on Twitter.

Most importantly, I have met the most congenial, helpful, friendly, bright, intelligent group of people imaginable.  During my initial Twitter days, it was pretty obvious who the original tweeters of Charlottesville included, and while significantly more techno-intelligent than me, they were gracious and accommodating, helpful and encouraging. 

Turning to park at the back of the Omni, I voiced a moment of trepidation to my daughter who eagerly accompanied me to the Piedown.  However, it turned to excitement when I saw Joe Meade & family as I parked my car.  No, I had not yet met Joe, but already recognized him as I pointed him out to my daughter.  It was a bit unique, finding familiar faces that I had never met.  Try explaining that one to your great aunt! 

And I think that's what I found most unique and intriguing yesterday, recognizing that this group of online commuicators understands that it's not just about the technology, but the relationship as well.

Oh, and in case you are interested, it's all documented-be sure and visit the website for pictures, recipes and the people who made it possible.

Stay tuned to Fall 2009 - First Annual Crozet Piedown to come!

PLEASE be sure and check your id BEFORE you purchase airline tickets or make reservations.  Effective May 15, 2009, TSA requires that the name on the ticket MATCH the name on the id.  For example, if the name on your id is SPICEY BEAR CVILLAIN, but you purchased your ticket as SPICY CVILLAIN, you WILL NOT be allowed to complete the screening process and board the aircraft.  This new requirement comes from a 911 Commission recommendation.  The second phase, which will be effective August 15, 2009, will require a ticket purchaser to include date of birth and gender.  Why?  TSA is taking over the comparison of passenger name against the "no fly list" and this will enhance the process by reducing the likelihood of a passenger being mistakenly identified as someone legitimately on the list. 

TSA states that eventually they will allow small discrepancies (such as use of middle initial on one and not on the other), but in the meantime, BE CAREFUL!  Check http://www.TSA.gov for the full story.

Central Virginia was host to a F/A-18 Hornet this morning, flying by the tower and tipping its wing several times in greeting to those on the ground.  This is the same aircraft utilized by the Navy's Blue Angels.  This $57 million aircraft has an airspeed of Mach 1.8+.