Future Vision

The mission of Triple Tree has been clearly stated; it is “To Ignite and Expand the Passion for Aviation”. The wording of this mission statement was intentionally developed as a metaphor that relates to an internal combustion (IC) engine. IC engines take energy and ignition and usefully expands the energy in such a way that it drives something forward. It’s powerful; it moves us and our useful machines to another place. The engine and its fuel, thru ignition and expansion can make unbelievable things happen. Past, present and future generations have and will enjoy the tremendous advantage that these machines provide.
So, how does all of this relate to Triple Tree, its mission and our collective dream? First, Mr. Pat, our friends and guests and a whole bunch of volunteers have provided unbelievable energy. The vision and the original execution of the Triple Tree was undeniably provided by the generosity of Pat Hartness.  Mr. Pat has given all of us the gift of Triple Tree by donating it to our 501(c)3. The volunteers have given hundreds of thousands of hours maintaining the facility and meeting every need of our guests. YOU (the loyal supporters of Triple Tree) have provided the “Ignition” by supporting events such as the world renowned Joe Nall R/C event (the world’s largest) and the tremendous Triple Tree Fly-In where last year, over 800 full scale aircraft attended. The proceeds derived from these events are now providing Triple Tree with the operational funds required to maintain our world-class grounds and equipment on an on-going basis. What exactly does that mean and where do we stand today? Presently, we can look forward to our “engine” continuing to run excellently, albeit at idle, but not accelerating and not moving forward. Today, we, as Triple Tree Aviators, are brilliantly executing the first half of our mission; we have successfully “Ignited the Passion for Aviation” as proven by our ever increasing numbers of guests attending our events but we haven’t completed the cycle. We’re not converting the present energy into a stronger, forward direction. To truly capitalize on the Triple Tree energy, we must “Expand the Passion for Aviation”. To do this, we must grow our aviation education efforts. Without future generations of passionate aviators, Triple Tree will be a running, idling “engine”; one that is moving neither forward nor back. It will eventually run out of gas! To stimulate this expansion, Triple Tree is forming strong alliances with local schools. We are hosting large groups (150 recently) of school children to introduce them to aviation. Universally, they are excited and interested. We are learning that kids (of all ages) have not lost excitement for aviation, they have lacked exposure. We want to provide that exposure and a clear path of progression for deserving individuals to explore aviation thru modeling, sailplanes and full scale aircraft. Aviation history is important also and is included in our presentation to the school children. The purpose of Mr. Pat’s 501(c)3 donation is clearly stated as “educational”. THIS, is the area where we have an opportunity to go to the next step and “Expand the Passion for Aviation”.
In order to succeed, this “Expansion” needs, in our view,  a dedicated place for Triple Tree volunteers to educate the future Triple Tree Aviators on aviation history, model construction, full-scale construction, aerodynamics, career possibilities, etc.. The Triple Tree dream is to construct a dedicated learning center; one with suitable A/V equipment, good seating, proper lighting and HVAC. It will be multi-functional as a shop and classroom year-round. It will have a model aircraft construction area, model displays (models already committed), a full-scale restoration area (historic aircraft already committed) and a classroom all under the same roof. This “Expansion” and the future Triple Tree Aviators that it produces, will accelerate the Triple Tree “engine” and propel us and future generations forward. We estimate that such a facility will cost $320,000. As usual, we plan to squeeze a dollar and twenty cents out of every dollar in building this facility. This is where we need your help. Triple Tree is collectively ours and so is its future. Through unbelievable generosity and work, OUR “aviator’s field of dreams” is a reality. Through the hard work of many, it can support itself and provide enjoyment and pleasure to the current generation as our sole mission or we can COLLECTIVELY MOVE THE PASSION FOR AVIATION FORWARD and educate the next generation on the wonders of aviation. It’s our choice.

In the past, Triple Tree has asked for your donations to help run the facility. The fees you’ve paid to attend our events have provided the base funds and your donations have provided the extra needed to run our equipment, fertilize, water, etc.. The staff and volunteers cannot thank you enough for your historical generosity. Now, we ask that you help us “Expand” Triple Tree into the future. The next generation of aviators needs for the current generation to “step up” and build the Triple Tree education center.  If you agree that this educational effort is important, please go to Support  the Vision and make a donation. We simply cannot complete the Triple Tree mission without the help of the thousands of Triple Tree current supporters.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at one of our future events.