Page 19 - July19TNT

and 1990s when aircraft such as Concorde, 747s, and SpaceShipOne came here, propelled Oshkosh into an expanded role. Much of that evolution developed from EAA-member and other feedback.
That being said, there are still many things that are
the same as when I first came in 1978. You can make Oshkosh as big or as small as you want. I know of people who spend their entire week in the homebuilt area, or
the forums, or the ultralight area, or the seaplane base. Others come and try to see as much as they can in a week. There is also the spirit of EAA and community
that continues as to when Paul Poberezny put it in place more than 65 years ago. He often said that we welcomed everyone and asked those who wanted limits, “Who do we tell that they are not welcome? Who do we tell that they should just stay home?”
4. Many people solely associate EAA with AirVenture – what other projects and initiatives are at the forefront of the organization?
AirVenture is very much the personification of what EAA is on a year-round basis, so it runs across the aviation spectrum. One of aviation’s biggest challenges to drawing more people to flying. The Young Eagles program has already flown more than 2.1 million kids since 1992,
and that has expanded to many next-step programs for those kids who receive flights. Related to that is
the Eagle Flights program to mentor adults interested in learning to fly by connecting them with our local chapters. And there’s much more to come as EAA is positioned to reach people in many ways.
Our advocacy team is involved in breaking down
barriers to flight, whether that’s in aircraft and pilot certification, or areas such as fuels and safety. There are the year-round tours by our airplanes such as the B-17 and Ford Tri-Motor. And as the EAA Aviation Museum
is the year-round home for the organization, how can we make that an even more inviting and inspiring place to engage people in aviation? These are all areas where EAA is involved.
5. What are some of the highlights in store for EAA AirVenture 2019?
There is plenty planned such as the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, the Boeing 747 celebrated this year, the 75th anniversary of D-Day or the emergence of the Urban Air Mobility showcase. Those are all outlined on the EAA website prior to the event. Those major events are great, but we know that each area has its own highlights and moments that will move people. Each person who comes to Oshkosh comes with unique expectations and leaves with memories connected to their personal experiences. Paul also said many times that you come to Oshkosh for the airplanes, but you come back for the people.
Preferred Airparts LLC
Select Airparts
July 2019 / TWIN & TURBINE • 17