Thomas P. Poberezny Chairman of the Board and President Experimental Aircraft Association

EAA Aviation Center P.O. Box 3086 Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54903-3086

EAA Aviation Center P.O. Box 3086 Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54903-3086

920-426-4810 Fax: 920-426-4878 E-mail: tomp@eaa.org

920-426-4810 Fax: 920-426-4878 E-mail: tomp@eaa.org

Thomas P. Poberezny
Chairman of the Board and President

Dear EAA Members, Supporters, and Friends,

When we invest significant time, money or talent, the overall task in front of us can often seem daunting, with the payoff so far away. As the years pass, however, we discover that those investments – if made properly – exceed expectations in ways we never imagined.

That point strikes home as I review this year’s EAA Annual Report. Earlier this decade, we began to make the investments needed to build an even better organization. We are now seeing some of the dividends from those efforts.

There are five key areas that are the focus of those investments: people, passion, planes, participation and pilots. Each has been an important element of EAA’s mission and unique culture over more than 55 years … each is essential in order to maintain a vibrant organization.

EAA began in 1953 as a small group of people with one goal in mind…to build and restore aircraft. Those craftsmen were fueled by enthusiasm, commitment, and high standards, which also sparked innovation on many levels. These positive attributes were a natural draw to others, which has helped EAA grow through the years into an organization that welcomes everyone with a passion for flight.

The aircraft within EAA are as diverse as our members, but that common passion for flight remains constant. EAA members and chapters are known to be active participants. When they get involved in a project, the result fires the imagination of unlimited opportunity. EAA will play an important role in aviation’s future growth, as the freedom of flight still speaks to many. In other words, flying is fun!

Today, there is more depth and breadth of activities within EAA than ever before. All of this comes together each year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. “Oshkosh” represents who we are throughout the entire year. It is something that is almost beyond description, yet easily understood. One person said it is like holding a handful of soil and trying to describe life on earth.

So, in its own small way, this annual report tells the story of EAA: Who we are and what we’re
accomplishing together. We are pleased to bring you this report and demonstrate how the
passion and participation of EAA members puts meaning behind the words,
EAA …The Spirit of Aviation.

Sincerely,

Tom Poberezny