EAA Sport Aviation Hall of Fame Ceremony

Homebuilders: Mike Blyth, EAA 1742365

Mike Blyth was already a well-known figure in South African aviation circles before founding Sling Aircraft; he won the 1995 Microlight World Championships on a prototype trike that had just four hours of flight time. One such trip involved a record-breaking 45,000 km cross-continental flight on a weight-shifting trike.

By 2005, Mike was eager to test his design skills on something more substantial. As South Africa’s distributor for Rotax, Mike was keen to design an aircraft that would do justice to these famously reliable and efficient engines. He teamed up with an aeronautical engineer, an aerodynamicist, and a draftsman, and by 2008, they had developed a prototype. Mike has been involved in the aircraft business, designing, building, and selling aircraft for 29 years, and has received numerous awards both for his contributions to aviation as well as the films he has made to record his achievements.

International Aerobatic Club: Mike Goulian, EAA Lifetime 259398/IAC 11878

Mike Goulian has been involved in aviation since the mid-1980s, and he is a CFII, ATP, and DPE. He also serves on EAA’s board of directors.

Mike joined EAA and the International Aerobatic Club in 1987 at the age of 17. He is a three-time member of the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team, the 1995 National Unlimited Aerobatic Champion, and a veteran air show performer. He also competed in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship from 2006 to 2019.

Mike has authored two books on aerobatics, given numerous FAA and EAA safety seminars, filmed numerous safety videos, and received all three air show industry awards for his achievements. In 2017, Mike, and his wife, Karin, founded Mike Goulian Aviation, an aviation business focused on flight training in and management of Cirrus Aircraft. Outside of flying, he spends much of his free time advocating for general aviation with leaders in our industry to improve safety and to promote aviation to all ages.

EAA Warbirds of America: Ron, EAA 116414/Warbirds 15513, and Diane Fagen, EAA 1220167

Ron and Diane Fagen are being inducted into the EAA Warbirds of America Hall of Fame as a couple because together they have built a legacy. Fagen Fighters WWII Museum is a world-class institution featuring an impressive collection of flying aircraft, military vehicles, displays, and a restoration shop.

The Fagens founded the museum in 2012 out of a desire to honor Ron’s father, Ray Fagen, who served in the 4th Infantry Division in WWII. After the war, Ray learned to fly, which meant that Ron grew up around airplanes. Coincidentally, when Ron was called to serve, he spent nearly a full year in Vietnam as part of the 4th Infantry Division. He bought his first warbird, a P-51 Mustang, in 1994 and has been immersed in the world ever since. Ron and Diane’s mission to preserve and pay tribute to our heritage and contribute to the entire warbird community is exemplary.

Vintage Aircraft Association: Tom Brown, EAA 24495/VAA 722555

Tom’s association with antique and vintage airplanes began at an early age when he and his father tackled a Corvair Pietenpol project, which is now considered the highest-time Piet flying with more than 1,650 hours on the tach. Since that time, Tom has been involved with and restored a wide variety of award-winning vintage airplanes. Tom’s willingness to tackle difficult restorations and assist other members with their projects speaks volumes about a man who simply loves to see old airplanes fly again. Not one to seek attention or the limelight, Tom’s humble demeanor is truly what sets him apart.

“Not only is Tom an astounding craftsman, but he also embodies everything the VAA stands for,” said noted vintage aircraft collector Walt Bowe, EAA Lifetime 426319, in a letter supporting Tom’s nomination. “He’s someone who shares his passion and is always willing to help others with his knowledge. Without people like Tom Brown, our hobby, businesses, and passions would become extinct.”

EAA Ultralights: Ronnie Smith

Ronnie Smith of Lucedale, Mississippi, the owner and guiding force behind South Mississippi Light Aircraft, has devoted years to the light-aircraft industry, developing a deep knowledge of aircraft, engines, maintenance, and the people who make aviation such a special part of their lives. For Ronnie, aviation has always been about much more than machines. It has been about people. Pilots, aircraft owners, friends, neighbors, and fellow aviation enthusiasts have all been part of the journey. His willingness to listen, share his knowledge, and help others solve problems has earned him the respect of many people within the aviation community.

South Mississippi Light Aircraft became a reflection of Ronnie’s dedication and passion for aviation. The business has been associated with light aircraft and Rotax engines for many years, and Ronnie became particularly well known for providing technical assistance and maintenance support to aircraft owners. For Ronnie, aviation has never been just a profession. It has been a passion, a family tradition, and a way of life.