TOM POBEREZNY
COMMENTARY / POSITION REPORT
Vol. 60 No. 7 | July 2011
Why EAA?
To promote aviation and inspire participation
WE ARE ONLY WEEKS AWAY from the start of
EAA’s annual convention, EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh 2011. “Oshkosh” has become a
global event that is recognized for its depth
of airplanes and activities, while bringing
together aviation leaders, innovators, and
enthusiasts from around the world.
That led me to ask, “Why does EAA
exist?” and, “What purpose does it serve?”
EAA has been a part of my life since it was
founded in 1953. Each year thousands of
people join the organization, unaware
of how EAA evolved over the past seven
decades. The original purpose was to bring
together people who had an interest in
building an airplane, primarily for economic
reasons. They couldn’t afford to buy one,
so they converted their time and skills into
building an airplane that created enjoyment
while fulfilling a dream. It also brought
together people who were willing to share
knowledge and information that led to
relationships that have become an important
part of EAA’s culture. The first EAA fly-in
was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1953 and
drew a few hundred people and a couple
dozen airplanes. From Milwaukee the fly-in
moved to Rockford, Illinois, and eventually
to Oshkosh in 1970.
The early founders saw the organization
grow, not only in size, but also in stature. As
a result, EAA members have significantly
impacted aviation. Let me share some of the
reasons why.
First, the core culture of EAA is based
upon relationships, sharing information,
and a passion for flight. We have encouraged
more than 32,000 people to complete and
certificate amateur-built airplanes. This
represents a major percentage of the general
aviation fleet. In addition, tens of thousands
of airplanes are under construction. Many
will never be completed, but they keep
the dream alive that someday you will fly
an airplane that was built with your own
hands. EAA has expanded from homebuilts
to include vintage, warbird, and aerobatic
activities. Ultimately, we brought together
anyone who had an interest in flight, ranging
from pilots to enthusiasts. EAA is the
organization that fosters the dream of flight.
PUBLICATIONS STAFF
Publisher: Rod Hightower
Vice President-Membership: Adam Smith
Director of Publications & Editor: Mary Jones
Senior Editor: Steve Schapiro
Associate Editor: Kelly Nelson
Senior Art Director: Phil Norton
Art Directors: Michael Annino, Olivia Trabbold
News Editor: Ric Reynolds
Copy Editor: Colleen Walsh
Editorial Assistant/Layout: Dana Heimos
Editorial Assistant: Meghan Plummer
Multimedia Journalist: Brady Lane
Manager, Electronic Publications: Fareed Guyot
Webmaster: Sue Delrow
Jack Cox Sport Aviation Intern: Melinda Wright
Photography Staff: Jim Koepnick, Steve Cukierski,
Andrew Zaback
Production/Special Projects: Kathleen Witman
Editor-at-Large: J. Mac McClellan
Contributing Writers: Marino Boric, Mike Busch,
Jim Busha, Budd Davisson, Greg Laslo, Peter Lert,
Dave Matheny, Bob O’Quinn, Lauran Paine Jr.,
Robert Rossier, Richard Saint-George, Elliot Seguin,
Willi Tacke, Max Trescott, James Wynbrandt
ADVERTISING
Manager/Domestic: Sue Anderson
Phone: 920-426-6127 Fax: 920-426-4828
Senior Business Relations: Trevor Janz
Interim Classifieds Coordinator: Alicia Canziani
REPRESENTATIVE:
Manager/European-Asian: Willi Tacke
Phone: +498841/487515
FAX: +498841/496012
E-mail: willi@flying-pages.com
Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3086
Phone: 920-426-4800
Fax: 920-426-4828
E-mail: Editorial@EAA.org
Website: www.EAA.org
Need to change your address or have other membership
questions, call 800-564-6322 (800-JOIN EAA).
EAA Founder: Paul H. Poberezny
Chairman of the Board: Tom Poberezny
EAA® and SPORT AVIATION®, the EAA Logo® and AERONAUTICA™ are registered trademarks, trademarks, and service marks of the Experimental Aircraft
Association, Inc. The use of these trademarks and service marks without the
permission of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc. is strictly prohibited.
