Experimental Aircraft Association

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is an international organization of aviation enthusiasts based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Since its inception, it has grown internationally with over 170,000 members.

History

The EAA was founded in 1953 by veteran aviator Paul Poberezny along with other aviation enthusiasts. The organization began as more or less a flying club. Paul Poberenzy explains the nature of the organization's name, "Because the planes we flew were modified or built from scratch, they were required to display an EXPERIMENTAL placard where it could be seen on the door or cockpit, so it was quite natural that we call ourselves the "Experimental Aircraft Association". [Experimental Aircraft Association. "History of EAA". http://www.eaa.org/joineaa/history.html] Homebuilding is still a large part of EAA, but the organization has grown immensely over the years to include almost every aspect of aviation and aeronautics.

AirVenture Museum

Located adjacent to EAA's headquarters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the EAA AirVenture Museum is an enormous collection of aircraft and aviation displays. The Museum is home to EAA's collection of more than 200 aircraft, of which more than 90 are on display inside the museum at any time. The museum's Pioneer Airport is a re-creation of a vintage aerodrome, with more than 40 additional airplanes on display. From May through mid-October (daily Memorial Day through Labor Day), flights are offered in vintage aircraft.

Programs and activities

Technical Counselor program

To help ensure that all amateur built aircraft are well-constructed, safe aircraft, the EAA organizes a group of volunteers, known as Technical Counselors, who will visit the construction project to identify any areas of concern. Technical Counselors are EAA members who volunteer their time and who have met at least one of the following criteria:
* Have built an experimental category aircraft
* Have restored an antique/classic aircraft
* Hold an A&P, IA, DAR, DER or Aerospace Engineer rating in the United States, an equivalent international rating or have the qualifications for those ratings.

There is no charge for this on-site review. The program is strictly voluntary. The recommendations of the Technical Counselor are advisory only. The EAA recommends a minimum of three Technical Counselor visits over the course of construction.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

Each summer EAA presents the largest annual general aviation event in the world, 'EAA AirVenture Oshkosh', also commonly known as the "Oshkosh Airshow". During the event, the city's airport, Wittman Regional Airport, is the busiest airport in the world. [ [http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=246265 "EAA AirVenture takes flight for the future"] , Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] The week-long event annually attracts around 10,000-12,000 planes and a total attendance of more than 500,000. The event also attracts more than 800 exhibitors, hosts nearly 1,000 forums, seminars and workshops, and welcomes more than 700 journalists each year.

Young Eagles

The EAA also sponsors the Young Eagles program, which was started in 1992 with the aim of giving one million children an airplane ride by December 17 2003, the Centennial of Flight. The program reached that goal, and still continues to bring aviation to the youth of America. By mid-2007, the Young Eagles total had surpassed 1.3 million. In 2004, actor Harrison Ford was named chairman of the Young Eagles, becoming the third chairman of the program. Actor Cliff Robertson was chairman in 1992-94, followed by Gen. Chuck Yeager in 1994 through 2004.

un 'N Fun Airshow

The other major yearly airshow attended by EAA members and staff is Sun 'n Fun, held every April in Lakeland, Florida. Sun 'n Fun has been an independent organization from the EAA since its first show in 1975, although the event has always involved significant EAA participation.

The two organizations signed an agreement in January 1989 recognizing their independence. On 30 March 2005 Sun 'n Fun issued a press release affirming the independence of the two organizations but assuring the aviation public that they would continue to work together. As such Sun 'n Fun remains a show with participation from EAA chapters and a presence from the national EAA staff, but it is not an EAA event. cite web|url = http://www.sun-n-fun.org/content/news/story.asp?newsid=209&section=yearround&body=news|title = SUN 'N FUN AND EAA|accessdate = 2008-09-11|last = Sun 'n Fun |authorlink = |year = 2005|month = March]

References

ee also

*Aviation
*Airshow
*Homebuilt aircraft

External links

* [http://www.eaa.org EAA Homepage]
* [http://www.airventure.org AirVenture] :
* [http://museum.eaa.org/information/ EAA AirVenture Museum]
* [http://www.sun-n-fun.org Sun 'N Fun Airshow]
* [http://www.youngeagles.org/ EAA Young Eagles program]
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