J Boyle said, “Its main function for years seems to have been a source of employment for its staff.”

It does seem that way at times. One other item of interest in the 2020 tax form is information on the “executive committee draw,” a $91,153 loan that TIGHAR made to Gillespie and Thrasher several years ago. The balance due stands at $180,670. Although there is no written agreement on this, the loan was “approved by [the] board or committee” according to the form. The executive committee of TIGHAR is its officers – Gillespie and Thrasher. A loan of this magnitude for such a small non-profit is another thing that gives one pause.

Gillespie is in his mid-70s, but as we speak, he is up in Newfoundland for the umpteenth time to look for signs of the White Bird, Nungesser and Coli’s ill-fated attempt to fly the Atlantic. The last funding appeal noted that ” Each day at the pond [expedition site] will cost $5,000 in helicopter time alone. Please donate what you can.”

I agree with J Boyle, this latest “I see something in the coral” is akin to the “I talk to dead people” line from the Bruce Willis film; without actually going there and looking, it’s basically wistful thinking. And Nikumaroro is not easy to get to. So you can stare at all the Google Earth photos you want, for as long as you want, it proves nothing.

On another note, TIGHAR continues its progress towards total darkness – UNLESS you are one of the chosen ones.

Gillespie plans to go back to Newfounland in June to look for Nungesser, Coli, and whatever may be left of their aircraft, known as the White Bird, for the umpteenth time. But you wouldn’t know that by looking on the TIGHAR discussion forums. Or on its home page. That little bit of info has only gotten to select members via an e-mailed TIGHAR Update. Curious. But then there are many curious things about TIGHAR these days …

mark_pilkington said: “I note that the reported departure above of Glickman, Paynter and Quigg from the 9 person Tighar board is not reflected on the Tighar website board listing?”

That’s correct, Mark. The website has gotten rather scattered and shipshod as of late (out-of-date information, broken links, etc.), presumably because Gillespie has been busy writing his latest Earhart opus. The unannounced board of directors changes were gleaned from the latest newsletter. It’s odd that the board now has no recognized scientific expertise among the members, as far as I can determine. But they’ve got two lawyers! Yep, that’s important …

Gillespie is apparently inching closer to his long-promised follow-on Earhart book, which he started working on in 2015 … One More Good Flight – the Amelia Earhart Tragedy, will be coming out sometime in mid- to late-2023, Gillespie announced in his latest newsletter. He took pains to point out that everyone who contributed at least $100 to his “Literary Guild” would get their signed copy. He also said something very curious: “TIGHAR will hold the copyright and receive all royalties. I receive no compensation other than my regular salary as executive director.”

But what is TIGHAR, if not Gillespie and his wife, who have been solely in charge of the enterprise for more than 30 years? What is the entity TIGHAR going to spend the royalties on, other than “executive compensation” and TIGHAR headquarters, which just happens to be Gillespie’s horse farm in Pennsylvania? The statement is self-serving, at the very least.