JACK J. PELTON

EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2026

EAA Aviation Foundation is thrilled to report the Fiscal Year 2026 results, which run March 1, 2025–February 28, 2026. Connecting donors who want to inspire, motivate, and educate tomorrow’s aviators, leaders, and pioneers is exactly what the Foundation strives for each day. As a result, EAA can accomplish great things, a few of which are featured in this year’s annual report.

EAA celebrated big successes over the last year; one of which will have a meaningful positive impact on general aviation forever. The Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule officially took effect in October 2025. The regulatory change that EAA’s advocacy team championed redefines what qualifies as a light-sport aircraft. It will allow more than 70 percent of today’s certified aircraft to be flown with a sport pilot certificate and privileges, which only requires a driver’s license medical. This will lower the cost of becoming a pilot and create more access to qualifying aircraft.

Also in FY26, EAA passed a rigorous process of renewing the EAA Aviation Museum’s accreditation through American Alliance of Museums. This distinction brings national recognition to our museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement. We are very proud of our museum team for all the hard work they put in to accomplish this achievement. It keeps EAA a destination for many throughout the year.

EAA Aviation Foundation scholarships set a record in FY26, with 96 students awarded more than $510,000 in scholarships. The growth of our scholarship program is made possible entirely through the generosity of our donors. Each scholarship is funded by individuals who are committed to the future of aviation and want to invest in future pilots, A&P mechanics, engineers, and aviation professionals who will lead the industry for years to come. Additionally, the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship program, administered through our chapter network and funded by the Ray Foundation, awarded 217 scholarships to recipients to earn their pilot certificate — the largest cohort to date.

That’s rewarding is seeing the continued and increasing support from our donors, which is validation that our programs are delivering on their mission. The results across the board are impressive thanks to your generosity. And there is so much more that we would like to do!

In FY27, the Foundation will launch an important strategic capital campaign to build Discovery Park, which will allow EAA to relocate KidVenture onto the main convention grounds during AirVenture. The new area will feature a larger permanent facility for KidVenture, along with additional buildings for expanded youth programs. This is a need we’ve had for a while, and, thanks to some initial lead gifts, we have launched.

Other programs our Foundation team will be talking to our donors about in the coming year include getting our B-17 Aluminum Overcast back in the air, a museum expansion, and proficiency center additions.

All of us at EAA can’t thank you enough. Our Foundation team looks forward to working with you as we enter the new fiscal year. We are focused on continued success and making an impact in our aviation community.

Thank you again.

Jack J. Pelton

CEO and Chairman of the Board, Experimental Aircraft Association