Fantastic Time at Sporty's International Learn to Fly Day Event
A couple weekends ago, Jeff Skiles, Brian O'Lena, and I flew down to Batavia, Ohio, to celebrate International Learn to Fly Day at Sporty's Pilot Shop. The weather was clear and the ride down was nice and smooth. You could not have ordered a better day to fly. Read more

• Days Away From International Young Eagles Day
• Your Input Keeps Chapter Insurance Guide Evolving
• Spruce Up Your Walls: Download the AirVenture 2012 Poster!
• Special Invite to Frasca Fly-In From EAA Founder Paul Poberezny

Amateur-Builts Affected by NTSB Proposals
Last Tuesday, Vice President of Government Relations Doug Macnair represented EAA at the National Transportation Safety Board’s meeting in Washington, D.C. This was a very important meeting for the amateur-built aircraft community, as the board announced the results of its in-depth safety study and made 16 recommendations on improving the amateur-built aircraft safety record. Twelve of those recommendations were directed at the FAA, while four others were directed to EAA. The study was based in part on responses from more than 5,000 EAA members to the NTSB’s survey last summer. All five of the NTSB board members highly praised EAA and our members for significant contributions to aviation, and the board emphasized it did not want to stifle the freedom and innovation within the amateur-built aircraft community. While EAA has already completed or is in the process of completing several of the recommendations the NTSB made to our organization, some of the recommendations made to the FAA cause us concern. Recommendations regarding flight testing and fuel systems could add extra burdens and hurdles for those who want to get involved in building airplanes. EAA and our Homebuilt Aircraft Council will continue to analyze the NTSB recommendations, and be engaged in any policy or rulemaking process to protect the freedoms of our members.

Medical Certification Exemption Draws Comments
The joint EAA/AOPA medical certification exemption request has already drawn more than 1,600 comments from aviators and others, according to EAA Government Relations Director Randy Hansen. That is a tremendous number of comments for any proposal before the FAA and shows the scale and depth of support for this exemption request, which was presented to the FAA in March. EAA will continue to encourage all members to comment on this important request. More information

Good News for Air Racing
Recently, the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) received a 2012 permit for hosting the National Championship Air Races this coming September, and also finalized insurance coverage for the races and responding to NTSB recommendations made last month to enhance safety for participants and spectators. This is excellent news for air racing participants and fans, as the event works on returning following the tragic accident there during the 2011 races. EAA will again have a presence at Reno in September.

Mourning Loss of VAA Director Jack Copeland
We were saddened of the passing of longtime Vintage Aircraft Association director Jack Copeland. Jack died on May 16 at the age of 81. He had been a Vintage area volunteer since 1975 and a VAA director since 1984. Funeral services were held May 21 in Westborough, Massachusetts. Our condolences go to Jack's family and friends.

Chapter Work Parties Pitching In
We've welcomed the first chapter volunteer work parties of the season in recent weekends to help us prepare the grounds for AirVenture. We hosted groups from Chapter 439 (Michigan's Upper Peninsula), Chapter 101 (Addison, Illinois), and Chapter 272 (Duluth, Minn.), plus a volunteer work group from the Vintage Aircraft Association. We appreciate the time and effort these EAA members donate to their organization to help make AirVenture "The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration."

Local Magazine Highlights Chapter 240's Success
Chapter 240 (Wilmington, Delaware) was recently featured in Landenberg Today Magazine, which highlighted what the chapter is doing and the growth it is experiencing. According to the article, Chapter 240's membership has tripled in the last 15 years. Chapters are encouraged to work with local media to get the word out about their chapter and EAA. Read more

Next issue of ChapterGram will be delivered on Tuesday, June 12.