Back to our roots….Since 1953, EAA has been the organization known for the homebuilt movement. Fifty-six years and countless innovations and advancements later—one thing has remained constant — homebuilding provides a path where nearly anyone can pursue their personal dream of flight.
EXPERIMENTER ENEWSLETTER The interests of EAA members have grown to include virtually all of aviation’s broad and dynamic spectrum, but the core of EAA activities continues to revolve around homebuilding. That’s why EAA introduced the Experimenter eNewsletter, using the same name as EAA’s original publication. The monthly electronic newsletter delivers the knowledge and information desired by homebuilders and restorers, and is enjoyed by more than 23,000 subscribers.
HINTS FOR HOMEBUILDERS EAA’s online video series, Hints for Homebuilders, totaled more than 707,000 views since being introduced in March 2008. The series, which features quick tips for composite, tube and fabric, sheet metal, and wood construction methods, now includes 79 episodes. Fifty new videos were shot during AirVenture, and EAA members also got involved by submitting their own helpful homebuilding tips.
EAA remained vigilant in protecting the amateur builder’s privileges to construct aircraft of any technical and performance specifications in 2008. EAA’s Earl Lawrence, vice president industry and regulatory affairs, co-chaired the Aviation Rule-making Committee in Washington D.C., representing EAA member concerns to the FAA. These efforts resulted in the FAA publishing a statement that current FAA-accepted kits would not be re-evaluated and would continue to be accepted. In addition, Lawrence presented and received input from members at multiple EAA events around the United States, including traveling to Oregon to advocate for kit builders as the FAA tested a draft of its kit evaluation checklist. EAA members also responded to EAA’s call in 2008 by submitting a record number of comments to a proposed amateur-built certification policy, and presented well thought out arguments to the FAA during EAA-facilitated forums at AirVenture Oshkosh—resulting in the FAA re-evaluating its proposed new policy.
30,000th homebuilt and climbing! Homebuilt aircraft represent 20% of the active single-engine fleet. The symbolic 30,000th homebuilt aircraft to be registered in the United States was celebrated this year at the very event created by homebuilders more than 50 years ago, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
SPORT AIR WORKSHOPS SportAir workshops continue to be a popular program for EAA demonstrated by consistently high satisfaction scores. More than 55 SportAir workshops were held in 2008. Instructors helped approximately 1,000 hands-on, do-it-yourself aviators—many returning after previous workshops—build skills and abilities that further the principles of safe, efficient flight. An additional 5,000 homebuilders participated in workshops at AirVenture. Participants came from all 50 states as well as Iceland, Japan, Africa, and Canada. EAA also worked on rolling out mini 2-day courses to EAA chapters.
HOMEBUILT COMMUNITY
MANAGER
A new position was created in 2008 to better serve
EAA’s homebuilding core. Joe Norris, a former EAA
Senior Aviation Specialist, was named Homebuilt
Community Manager and his position—solely
focused on advancing the homebuilt cause—
demonstrates EAA’s commitment to this important
special interest group.
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