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Anticipation for Aviation

We are seeing some exciting, positive signs for 2021. The vaccine is rolling out, some states are opening up, and people are slowly starting to come out of their COVID hibernation. With these good omens before us (quick, go knock on wood), it’s impossible to ignore the temptation to consider ourselves cleared for an early takeoff in 2021. Following your personal minimums, now is the time to begin flight planning for all your 2021 adventures and activities, with anticipation for aviation!

Whether it’s working on a build, flying Young Eagles, attending fly-outs, or learning to fly, how are you going to get back out there and participate in aviation?

All EAA members are invited to submit their answer for a chance to be featured below.

Submit Yours
What's your anticipation for aviation in 2021?
    Patty Wagstaff/Air Show Performer and Aerobatic Instructor
    “Just having the freedom to go; to put a pin on a map, fly there, and be able to do something when I get there!”

    Patty Wagstaff
    Air Show Performer and Aerobatic Instructor
    Jack J. Pelton/EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board
    “I am anxious for Young Eagles flights in 2021 to start the climb back to the levels we enjoyed in 2019. Young people have been suffering with school closures and need engagement through positive activities to help their development. We can offer these young people the magic of flight to inspire them to dream about tomorrow and forget about the past year.”

    Jack J. Pelton
    EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board
    Sean D. Tucker/Team Oracle Air Show Pilot and EAA Young Eagles Co-Chairman
    “I’m ready to get our Young Eagles pilots up and flying again! One of the greatest honors I have received in my air show career is the opportunity to be the chairman and co-chairman of EAA’s Young Eagles program. We are the largest volunteer air force in the world, and our all-volunteer team are some of the most passionate, loving, and giving individuals I have ever met. They all realize that our youth are precious jewels that need to be nurtured and empowered. We do that by sharing the ‘magic of flight’ with them. We change lives, one kid at a time. I feel like the luckiest guy on earth to have that opportunity. See you at a Young Eagles rally! God bless America!”

    Sean D. Tucker
    Team Oracle Air Show Pilot and EAA Young Eagles Co-Chairman
    Jason “HOJO” Violette/B-1B and UPS Pilot
    “Enjoying all things that make flying great — like getting a $100 hamburger with friends and family or doing air shows and bringing the B-1 to Oshkosh.”

    Jason “HOJO” Violette
    B-1B and UPS Pilot
    Eric Scheidhauer/EAA Member #837124
    "To get back into flying, getting tailwheel endorsement this time, 38 years after earning my private, then putting flying on back burner to raise my family. Found a tailwheel flying club right near me. Plane down for its annual right now, but starting on the goal within reach now, at 61 years young! Also coming and volunteering at Oshkosh this year!"

    Eric Scheidhauer
    EAA Member #837124
    Jim O'Brien/EAA Member #618682
    "I don’t want another hole in my summer like last year by not going to Airventure and connecting with my aviation friends... current and future!!!"

    Jim O'Brien
    EAA Member #618682
    Kirby Chambliss/Red Bull Air Race Pilot and Air Show Performer
    “I’m super excited to get back into the air with the Red Bull Air Force and performing.”

    Kirby Chambliss
    Red Bull Air Race Pilot and Air Show Performer
    Charlie Becker/EAA Director, Chapters & Homebuilt Community Manager
    "I'm most looking forward to catching up with my EAA family in 2021. Normally, SUN 'n FUN and AirVenture are like family reunions with my aviation friends and I really missed that last year."

    Charlie Becker
    EAA Director, Chapters & Homebuilt Community Manager
    Chad Haas/EAA Member #1265808
    "I'm looking forward to spending quality time and enjoying all things aviation with family and friends."

    Chad Haas
    EAA Member #1265808
    Serena Kamps/EAA Chapter Field Representative I
    "I am most looking forward to mini flying adventures with friends and family and of course AirVenture 2021!"

    Serena Kamps
    EAA Chapter Field Representative I
    Scott Yoak/<em>Quicksilver</em> P-51 Pilot
    “Getting back into the rhythm of the air show circuit and returning to the mecca of aviation — Oshkosh!”

    Scott Yoak
    Quicksilver P-51 Pilot
    Joe Kieszkowski/EAA Lifetime #13550
    "Getting Young Eagles flights going again!"

    Joe Kieszkowski
    EAA Lifetime #13550
    John Egan/EAA Senior Manager, Chapters
    "My anticipation for aviation includes flying all around the state of Wisconsin with my wife Mollee and having a ton of fun at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021."

    John Egan
    EAA Senior Manager, Chapters
    Rick Golightly/EAA Member #146318
    "Although our chapter did not meet in person for nearly a year, we were working online with our youth with a weekly ground school. On a personal level, I had the privilege to work with our Ray Scholar through the ground school and regular involvement with his training progress and witnessing his completion of the check ride. I am looking forward to his advancement in his aviation career. I hope for the opportunity to ride on a flight on which he is in the driver's seat commercially. There is excitement in mentoring the young people and sharing their enthusiasm. Although is is a lot of work, it is a privilege to mentor the next generation."

    Rick Golightly
    EAA Member #146318
    Rob Holland/Ultimate Airshows Pilot
    “I’m simply looking forward to the fun of aviation again. The flying, the social interactions with fellow airport bums, and of course performing at air shows again and spreading the joy of flying.”

    Rob Holland
    Ultimate Airshows Pilot
    Sean Elliott/EAA Vice President of Advocacy and Safety
    “I am excited to see our warbird and vintage living history classrooms — B-17, B-25, and Ford Tri-Motor — return to the sky in 2021 engaging in our EAA Tour Stop programs. When experienced in flight, these airplanes remind us of the fortitude and bravery of previous generations and the sacrifices made. I look forward to helping to share these incredible pieces of history with the aviation community.”

    Sean Elliott
    EAA Vice President of Advocacy and Safety
    Greg Anderson/EAA Member #808760
    “Getting back into the cockpit! We moved across the state just before the pandemic hit and I didn't get a chance to get checked out at another FBO. Once I have my second COVID shot, I'll get with an instructor!”

    Greg Anderson
    EAA Member #808760
    Matt Younkin/Air Show Performer
    “Getting back into the open-cockpit Travel Air biplane and taking the family traveling.”

    Matt Younkin
    Air Show Performer
    Tucker Gott/Paramotor YouTube Personality
    “Packing up the paramotor in the toy hauler and traveling.”

    Tucker Gott
    Paramotor YouTube Personality
    Kyle Franklin/Stunt Pilot, Wing-Walker, and Stuntman
    “I have high hopes for the 2021 season. Shows are making great strides and working with state and local governments to find safe and entertaining solutions for our industry. It won’t be the same as what we are used to, and that is certainly disappointing. However, as we always have, [we] will adapt and I believe we will come back strong.”

    Kyle Franklin
    Stunt Pilot, Wing-Walker, and Stuntman
    Vicky Benzing/Aerobatic Performer and Air Race Pilot
    “What I’ve missed most during the pandemic is getting to spend time with friends. Since most of my friends are pilots from all over the country, what I am looking forward to the most is getting to fly out to the various events and air shows, like AirVenture and the Reno Air Races, where I can spend time with my flying family.”

    Vicky Benzing
    Aerobatic Performer and Air Race Pilot
    Patty Wagstaff/Air Show Performer and Aerobatic Instructor
    “Just having the freedom to go; to put a pin on a map, fly there, and be able to do something when I get there!”

    Patty Wagstaff
    Air Show Performer and Aerobatic Instructor
    Jack J. Pelton/EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board
    “I am anxious for Young Eagles flights in 2021 to start the climb back to the levels we enjoyed in 2019. Young people have been suffering with school closures and need engagement through positive activities to help their development. We can offer these young people the magic of flight to inspire them to dream about tomorrow and forget about the past year.”

    Jack J. Pelton
    EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board
    Sean D. Tucker/Team Oracle Air Show Pilot and EAA Young Eagles Co-Chairman
    “I’m ready to get our Young Eagles pilots up and flying again! One of the greatest honors I have received in my air show career is the opportunity to be the chairman and co-chairman of EAA’s Young Eagles program. We are the largest volunteer air force in the world, and our all-volunteer team are some of the most passionate, loving, and giving individuals I have ever met. They all realize that our youth are precious jewels that need to be nurtured and empowered. We do that by sharing the ‘magic of flight’ with them. We change lives, one kid at a time. I feel like the luckiest guy on earth to have that opportunity. See you at a Young Eagles rally! God bless America!”

    Sean D. Tucker
    Team Oracle Air Show Pilot and EAA Young Eagles Co-Chairman
    Jason “HOJO” Violette/B-1B and UPS Pilot
    “Enjoying all things that make flying great — like getting a $100 hamburger with friends and family or doing air shows and bringing the B-1 to Oshkosh.”

    Jason “HOJO” Violette
    B-1B and UPS Pilot
    Eric Scheidhauer/EAA Member #837124
    "To get back into flying, getting tailwheel endorsement this time, 38 years after earning my private, then putting flying on back burner to raise my family. Found a tailwheel flying club right near me. Plane down for its annual right now, but starting on the goal within reach now, at 61 years young! Also coming and volunteering at Oshkosh this year!"

    Eric Scheidhauer
    EAA Member #837124

Chapter Resource Center

Chapter Programs and Activities
With dozens of programs and activities for adults and youth, now is the perfect time to refresh yourself with what opportunities are available for your chapter. Engage youth at your chapter facility with a Young Eagles Workshop, or host a Flying Start on EAA Learn to Fly Day. Whatever you're comfortable with, we have options for you. Read more ›

ChapterGram Newsletter
Stay up-to-date with the latest news in the EAA chapters world by reading our ChapterGram newsletter. Find out how other chapters are overcoming obstacles as they start hosting events this spring and read about what EAA is doing at headquarters to support our chapters network. Read more ›

Chapter Video Magazine
Every month, EAA provides an update for chapters with a video for you to share at your chapter gatherings. We inform chapter members on upcoming programming, leadership training, and exciting AirVenture announcements in each month's issue. Read more ›

EAA's Calendar of Events
Don't miss another fly-in, pancake breakfast, or seminar! Submit your upcoming Young Eagles rallies, monthly gatherings, Flying Start events, and all other activities your chapter is hosting. With functionality to search by date and location, keeping EAA's calendar of events updated with your chapter's plans can increase attendance and engagement in your community. Read more ›

EAA Sport Aviation
Our Pathways section in every month's EAA Sport Aviation offers timely information for chapters to embrace aviation opportunities in their communities. We share the successes of other chapters hosting events in today's world and provide extra information regarding our programs and activities available for participation. Read more ›

Important Chapter Dates
Download our important dates for chapters document so you're always in-the-know regarding upcoming deadlines and event dates. Don't miss EAA's Learn to Fly Day and International Young Eagles Day this spring! Read more ›

ChapterBlast Promotional Emails
A key component to a successful chapter event is promoting it in your area! A ChapterBlast is an email sent by EAA headquarters, on behalf of your chapter, to invite regional EAA members to your chapter event. Hurry – get your request in for your International Young Eagles Day rally! Read more ›

Chapter Activities at AirVenture
Do you love to network with chapter leaders, fundraise for your own chapter, or volunteer at the Blue Barn? We sure hope so! Whatever your favorite part about being a chapter member attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, check out what we have planned for you in 2021. Read more ›


Chapter Resource Center

Chapter Programs and Activities
With dozens of programs and activities for adults and youth, now is the perfect time to refresh yourself with what opportunities are available for your chapter. Engage youth at your chapter facility with a Young Eagles Workshop, or host a Flying Start on EAA Learn to Fly Day. Whatever you're comfortable with, we have options for you. Read more ›

ChapterGram Newsletter
Stay up-to-date with the latest news in the EAA chapters world by reading our ChapterGram newsletter. Find out how other chapters are overcoming obstacles as they start hosting events this spring and read about what EAA is doing at headquarters to support our chapters network. Read more ›

Chapter Video Magazine
Every month, EAA provides an update for chapters with a video for you to share at your chapter gatherings. We inform chapter members on upcoming programming, leadership training, and exciting AirVenture announcements in each month's issue. Read more ›

EAA's Calendar of Events
Don't miss another fly-in, pancake breakfast, or seminar! Submit your upcoming Young Eagles rallies, monthly gatherings, Flying Start events, and all other activities your chapter is hosting. With functionality to search by date and location, keeping EAA's calendar of events updated with your chapter's plans can increase attendance and engagement in your community. Read more ›

EAA Sport Aviation
Our Pathways section in every month's EAA Sport Aviation offers timely information for chapters to embrace aviation opportunities in their communities. We share the successes of other chapters hosting events in today's world and provide extra information regarding our programs and activities available for participation. Read more ›

Important Chapter Dates
Download our important dates for chapters document so you're always in-the-know regarding upcoming deadlines and event dates. Don't miss EAA's Learn to Fly Day and International Young Eagles Day this spring! Read more ›

ChapterBlast Promotional Emails
A key component to a successful chapter event is promoting it in your area! A ChapterBlast is an email sent by EAA headquarters, on behalf of your chapter, to invite regional EAA members to your chapter event. Hurry – get your request in for your International Young Eagles Day rally! Read more ›

Chapter Activities at AirVenture
Do you love to network with chapter leaders, fundraise for your own chapter, or volunteer at the Blue Barn? We sure hope so! Whatever your favorite part about being a chapter member attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, check out what we have planned for you in 2021. Read more ›

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