BUILDING EAA’S FUTURE–TOGETHER
Jim Irwin, Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Company
OVER THE YEARS, EAA HOMEBUILDERS
have witnessed a world of change
in their craft. Although current
construction methods and materials
differ from those ingrained in
memory, the passion in the hearts of
homebuilders remains strong.
This passion serves
as the foundation for
Aircraft Spruce &
Specialty Company,
an airplane parts and
pilot goods supplier
that began more than
40 years ago. Today,
Aircraft Spruce remains
a family operation,
now guided by EAA
members and second-generation pilots Jim
Irwin, president, and
his wife Nanci, vice president.
“I’ve been flying for more than 35
years, and I love it as much today as the
first time I went up,” Jim says.
According to Jim, EAA 209874,
Aircraft Spruce wouldn’t be where it
is today without the patronage of EAA
members. His business was founded
around homebuilding and has since
Jim and Nanci Irwin
grown as a direct result of the support
that aircraft builders have given it.
Aircraft Spruce has reciprocated
support to EAA as well. When Young
Eagles began in 1992, Aircraft Spruce was
one of the first sponsors. The company is
also a chief supporter of EAA AirVenture
contributions to the growth and
expansion of the EAA Chapter Network
and EAA’s webinar tools. Additionally,
Jim’s family provided the funding
for EAA AirVenture 2010’s new
Homebuilders Hangar—a place to house
special workshops, showcase projects,
answer questions, and share ideas
among homebuilders.
TO EAA, “FRIEND-RAISING” is equally as important as fundraising. Our supportive
foundation of dedicated friends
allows EAA to be the driving force it is today.
EAA’s friends may vary in interest and industry,
but they’re all crucial to the success of our
organization and growing member participation.
Jim Irwin’s friendship with EAA stems from his
homebuilding passion—a passion that supported
the growth of his company. Marc Mondavi and his
family began with an interest in the world of flight
and have subsequently been drawn to EAA’s strong
mission and vision for the future.
Both members are important to EAA. We thrive
on the contributions of all and need your support to
move steadfastly into the future of aviation.
Member participation is necessary to ensure EAA
remains able to educate and assist all members,
including our youth. Let’s challenge them to pursue
their dreams and show them firsthand how close
the world of flight really is.
Securing our future by strengthening your friendship
with EAA is up to you. Contact EAA Vice President of
Development Elissa Lines at 800-236-1025, or e-mail
her at elines@eaa.org, to get started today.
‘GRAPE’ EXPECTATIONS FOR EAA’S FUTURE
Marc Mondavi, Charles Krug Winery
JUST AS EAA AIRVENTURE SERVES aviation enthusiasts from around
the globe, so does the Charles Krug Winery. Producers of some of
Napa Valley’s finest wines, the Peter Mondavi Sr. family, which has
owned the winery since 1943, plans to extend its reach this summer
to include those attending EAA AirVenture 2010.
The family is pleased to aid EAA’s fundraising efforts with a
donation of 45 cases of wine for the Gathering of Eagles banquet.
Marc Mondavi, co-proprietor of the winery, became interested in
the world of flight during his college years, when he would exchange
rides in his car for rides in friends’ airplanes. Since then, he has
retained an attraction to aviation, and his family is drawn to EAA’s
mission of educating and challenging youth to pursue their dreams.
“They have seen firsthand how engaging with aviation can be
a powerful tool in
getting kids focused
and helping them
consider their
future,” explains
Elissa Lines.
