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EAA, FAA Officials Meet in Oshkosh for Annual Aviation Summit
Last week, we welcomed 10 top FAA officials to the Aviation Center in Oshkosh for the annual EAA/FAA Recreational Aviation Summit. This is a very important gathering as it allows FAA personnel to come to Oshkosh and have face-to-face discussions on key GA issues. The FAA team was led by Tony Fazio, Director of the Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention; John Allen, Director of Flight Standards; and Dorenda Baker, Director of Aircraft Certification. Among the topics addressed were amateur-built aircraft safety, sport pilot and light-sport aircraft, unleaded avgas, warbird operating limitations and exemptions, vintage aircraft repair approvals, and more. Allen also taped an internal video for FAA staff members in the AirVenture Museum's Eagle Hangar while he was in Oshkosh. In addition, Paul Poberezny also joined the sessions, lending his unique perspective of more than 60 years of work with federal aviation agencies. The two days were very productive, as the annual winter summit allows EAA and FAA to work together on a large number of issues in a collaborative way that is more effective than multiple trips to Washington, D.C.
Meeting With Aviators in Illinois
Last Saturday, I was in Springfield, Illinois, as the keynote speaker for the annual Illinois Ultralight/Light Plane Safety Seminar, which is for aviators involved in ultralight and light-sport aircraft flying as well as paragliders and powered parachutes. This seminar is presented by the Illinois Ultralight Advisory Council, Illinois Department of Transportation, and FAA.
EAA Staff in Washington
EAA Vice President of Advocacy & Safety Sean Elliott and EAA Government Advocacy Specialist David Oord were each in Washington, D.C., last week. David was in the nation's capitol for the NTSB's release of the amateur-built aircraft survey that was done late last year in association with EAA. Sean, meanwhile, participated in a meeting of the FAA's General Aviation Joint Steering Committee on aviation safety.
Hops & Props a Success
Approximately 1,500 people were in the AirVenture Museum last Saturday night for the annual Hops & Props beverage/food tasting fundraiser. This event has become an extremely popular one for the attendees and microbreweries alike, with some brewery representatives attending from as far away as Louisiana, Alaska, Colorado, and Kentucky. This event is an important one to support the activities in the museum throughout the year, including our education programs.
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