We met with Dr. Mikhail Terechtchenko, First Deputy Chairperson of the Russian Interstate Aviation Committee. The meeting went very well. Not only was the flight supported by the Russian Government but they formed a committee to oversee the media and celebrations in Moscow and at the end of the commemorative route in Khabarovsk. They gave us a key contact person, Oleg Yermolov, to help us with any problems that may come up.
That night, we met for the first time, the Russian women pilots. Khalide Makagonova (1984 World Aerobatics Champion) and Natalia (Natassia) Vinokourova (Pilot in a Tupelov 154 for Magadan Air). At once the four of us became friends.