EAA Blue Barn Adds Features for AirVenture 2019

June 6, 2019 - The EAA Blue Barn will have the same look and feel as previous years, but with a few added improvements for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019.

This year, three key themes will be highlighted at the Blue Barn: Make it Easier (to be a chapter leader), Grow Local Participation (in aviation), and Develop Chapter Leadership.

Numerous new programs will also be highlighted under the Grow Local Participation banner, including: the Ray Aviation Scholar Program, the Young Eagles Build and Fly RC modeling program, the Virtual Flight Academy simulator program, and the Chapter Tool Crib program.

The Make it Easier initiative will highlight EAA's Young Eagles online registration as well as the new Chapter Roster Management Tool. Additionally, Blue Barn visitors can check in their chapter by pinning a mini windsock on the large chapter map inside the barn.

David Leiting Jr., EAA chapter field representative II, said building off of last year's tool giveaway, chapters will be able to enter to win daily and weekly prizes.

"The daily prize will be a Thrustmaster T.16000M flight control for a chapter simulator," David said. "The weekly prizes will be a Redbird Alloy flight control system and a Lincoln Electric TIG Welder."

The Blue Barn is chock full of activities for visitors, including daily forums from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on most days. Patti Arthur, the EAA endorsed tax attorney, will also be providing free one-on-one consultations sessions with chapter leaders. These meetings are intended to answer any chapter tax questions, or point the chapter in the proper direction to maintain/obtain their 501(c)(7) status.

David said as a part of the Young Eagles Build and Fly RC modeling program, members will be able to observe the process of building one of the SIG LT-40 aircraft.

"This will give members insight on what it takes to build one of these kits with youth, and then bring it to the local AMA flying field," David said.

David said first and foremost, the Blue Barn is a place to learn.

"Not only from EAA staff, but also peer chapter members who have found successful approaches to common programs or problems that chapters might face in the field," David said.

You can view a full listing of the Blue Barn forums by visiting EAA.org/bluebarn.