EAA mourns former NBAA President/CEO Ed Bolen
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (November 12, 2026) — Statement from Jack J. Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Experimental Aircraft Association regarding today’s announcement from the National Business Aviation Association on the death of its recently retired President/CEO, Ed Bolen:
“As we remarked just last week upon his retirement, Ed Bolen was a champion for the freedom of flight and a passionate advocate for aviation in all of its forms. His passing leaves us without his leadership, knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm that he brought to the aviation community for more than three decades. His legacy and humanity, however, will carry on for years to come. On behalf of EAA, I send our condolences to Ed’s family, friends, and our many colleagues within the NBAA community.”
About EAA The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 300,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.
