We are indebted to our sponsors for their support. We also appreciate the enthusiastic participation of a large number of talented folks we met along the way who gave countless hours of time and expertise.

• Kentucky Space Grant Consortium, Richard Hackney, Director
• College of Engineering, Thomas Lester, Dean
• ILC Dover, Inc.
• Sofasco
• UK Department of Mechanical Engineering, Keith Rouch, Chair
• UK Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Vijay Singh, Chair

A VERY special thanks to the Fattons. What can we say about the Fatton family? Gene and Debbie and their four daughters are all amazing! BIG BLUE I and II wouldn’t have been the success that they were without their hospitality and help.

In 2003 for BBI, we came in and took over the barn, and the sunroom, and the bathroom, and the computer (which included the phone line), and the basement electronics shop, and Ariel and her pets as babysitters, and the kitchen (first for food and then as a workshop). We were there day and night for four days. Throughout it all, they welcomed all 21 of us and made us feel at home. Debbie picked up 250 wings for dinner one night and breakfast for the launch morning. Gene even fired up the espresso machine in the middle of the night before the launch and baked cinnamon rolls for us the morning of the launch. For BBI, Gene’s advice was also invaluable while troubleshooting the ATV transmitter and other systems. He stayed up long hours and was up early. He has everything you could want in the way of equipment or parts.

In 2004 for BBII, we arrived with 28 team members on Wednesday and eventually had 37 working 24 hours a day at the house. The communications crew was in the barn; the fuselage/parachute crew was in the garage; the sunroom was first shared by the inflation and controls groups, but became the main flight simulation and software shop on Friday; the downstairs bedroom became the children’s sleep-over area; the living room was the meeting room; the basement rec room was for relaxing; the electronics and mechanical shops were used as needed. Except for the upstairs bedrooms, we were working everywhere. And for five days, we worked almost round the clock. Throughout it all, Debbie was such a thoughtful hostess and Gene was essential. From tables to hardware to lending a hand to coming up with the idea that solved the current problem, Gene was a key contributor to the success of BBII. Gene was there every day and night of the marathon pre-launch session. One highlight is his new rec room basement that he beautifully finished himself. It has pool, air hockey and other great features and was the perfect place to relax while waiting for a turn at the test article (the inflation/wing-doors group especially appreciated it since they had to wait more than anyone else).

Gene was a valuable contributor to BIG BLUE I and II and mentor for the students. In many ways, Gene is responsible for our success. Gene and Debbie offered wonderful hospitality to the BIG BLUE team and will always be remembered. It is not possible to adequately express our appreciation. Thanks for everything.

:: Gene Fatton Image Gallery

Members of the Bluegrass Soaring Society visited the BBII lab and flight testing in the Nutter Field House. They generously offered their advice and expertise. Frank Foster spent countless hours teaching the BBII team members about the engineering and “art” of fiberglass aircraft construction and helping with the design and construction of the composite fuselage for BBII. It is easy to see why he wins awards for his sail planes! Ted O’Canna and others also came by the lab often to see the progress and to help. Our amazing BBII aircraft is a result. Thanks Bluegrass Soaring Society!

:: Bluegrass Soaring Society Image Gallery