Seven decades ago, on this very day, a group of aviation enthusiasts met for the first time in the basement of a private home in Wisconsin. Today, that organization is home to more than 270,000 members across 900 different chapters and from 100 different countries around the world.
Please join us in wishing the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) a very happy 70th birthday.
An organization formed 70 years ago
The EAA came from humble beginnings when a group of around 35 Milwaukee area aircraft enthusiasts met together on January 26th, 1953. Founder Paul Poberezny had no grander idea for the group than to simply ‘organize a local airplane club.’ But the love of aviation was growing around the US, and it wasn’t long before the idea caught on further afield.
The first chapter of EAA was founded in Riverside, California, just a year later. As enthusiasm for the organization grew, more chapters were launched, populated mainly by those who built or restored their own planes. However, membership was open to all, and anyone getting involved with the EAA was sure of a warm and supportive welcome.
By the ‘70s, the organization had grown so big that it began creating divisions for specialist interests. These included warbirds, antique or vintage aircraft, and aerobatic planes. The ‘80s brought the new ultralights into EAA’s family, and by the end of that decade, membership had surpassed 100,000 people.
Today, EAA has more than 270,000 members across more than 100 different countries, with 900 local chapters mainly in the USA. Speaking to Simple Flying, Jack Pelton, EAA’s CEO and Chairman of the Board commented that,
“For seven decades, EAA has allowed people to passionately pursue that dream with imagination and innovation, as they found kindred spirits that created an aviation movement that has no equal in the history of manned flight. It is an anniversary to celebrate EAA as an achievement of the individual, as part of a greater group that supports those efforts.”
What’s the EAA all about?
For founder Poberezny, EAA was all about bringing enthusiasts together to learn, support, and develop their love of aviation. This simple dream has captured the hearts and minds of more than a quarter of a million people and has made the organization the most prolific movement in the history of manned flight.
The mission of EAA is simple - to grow participation in aviation by sharing the Spirit of Aviation. This comes down to engaging people at all levels in aviation activities, whether that's the act of flying itself, building or restoring airplanes, or simply enjoying aviation on the ground through local activities.
EAA’s success in doing just this is its legacy. Each time a member takes flight in a newly built or restored aircraft, every time a new chapter is formed, that’s EAA doing just what it set out to do.
For Simple Flying readers, EAA is known and loved for one particular thing - AirVenture. This worldwide annual fly-in convention, known as EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, has grown to become one of the highlights of the aviation calendar. Each year more than 10,000 airplanes land in Oshkosh for the festival, with spectator attendance in excess of 600,000.
This year’s AirVenture will take place on July 24 to July 30 and will bring with it a unique assortment of aircraft, aerial displays, evening events, and more.
What’s in the future for the EAA?
While it’s great to see EAA turning 70 and clearly going stronger than ever, the association is not without its challenges to overcome. Cost has always been a significant challenge for anyone looking to get into aviation, and although EAA has worked hard to break down this barrier, the current economic climate is not helpful for would-be aviators.
Nevertheless, EAA remains prolific in the general aviation space and works hard to ensure access to aviation for all those who are interested in the industry. Pelton added,
“While there are many associations one can join, EAA is among that unique set where members are significantly engaged and encouraged to participate, where aviation can grow on a local level.
“That member-helping-member mindset has fueled the growth of the association throughout its history, and we’re very excited about where the dreams of flight can take us in the future.”
Are you an EAA member? Want to find out more? Visit the EAA website to see everything this interesting organization has to offer.