Excited to Work With You to Grow Aviation – And Your Chapter
I am very excited to begin my new role here at EAA headquarters as manager of chapters and Eagle Flights. As with any new position, I have much to learn about our nearly 1,000 chapters and how they work and operate. Read more

• Reminder: Chapter Awards Nominations Due May 31
• Promote Your International Learn to Fly Day Event to Local Media

Advocacy Effort Paying Off on Warbird Issue
Last week was a busy one for the government advocacy staff, led by the unified awareness effort regarding a House amendment to a military reauthorization bill that would have a negative impact on the warbird community. The proposal would have barred the Department of Defense from loaning or donating any former military aircraft or aircraft parts except for those that would be on static display, such as in a museum. The proposed amendment was brought to the GA community’s attention by congressional sources, working through the outstanding relationships built by EAA and other groups in recent years. EAA, Warbirds of America, Commemorative Air Force, Classic Jet Aircraft Association, the Collings Foundation, and others worked together to bring attention and public response to the issue. As of last Thursday, there had been a verbal commitment not to introduce the amendment by the congressman who first proposed it, but EAA will continue to remain vigilant on the issue.

Change for Vintage Aircraft Insurance
Last week, the Vintage Aircraft Association ended its long business relationship with the Aviation Unlimited Agency to provide aircraft insurance for vintage airplane owners. VAA has worked with EAA to make sure that insurance is available for vintage aircraft owners through the EAA Aircraft Insurance Plan. VAA Executive Director H.G. Frautschy and the membership services staff have been answering questions about the changes over the past few days.

Saluting Our Volunteers
National Volunteer Week was celebrated recently, and we at EAA understand perhaps better than most the importance of volunteers to the success of our organization. The more than 4,000 volunteers who make EAA AirVenture Oshkosh a success each year instantly come to mind. EAA's growth is built on that and many other volunteer efforts that help us meet challenges and accomplish our goals. That includes EAA chapter officers; chapter members who organize the local fly-ins, pancake breakfasts, and other aviation events; those who fly tens of thousands of Young Eagles each year; the technical counselors and flight advisors who help make building and flying safer for others; EAA AirVenture Museum docents; Pioneer Airport personnel; and the volunteers who help at the Weeks Hangar, on the AirVenture grounds, and during the many EAA programs and activities that occur year-round. We salute all our volunteers and sincerely thank them for their efforts.

Next issue of ChapterGram will be delivered on Tuesday, May 15.