EAA Honors 2026 Halls of Fame Inductees on November 11

Six individuals who contributed greatly to recreational aviation were honored on November 11 as they were inducted into the EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame during a ceremony and dinner at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh.

The 2026 inductees include:

• EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame: Mike Blyth of Johannesburg, South Africa
• Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame: Tom Brown of Hartford, Wisconsin
• EAA Ultralights Hall of Fame: Ronnie Smith of Lucedale, Mississippi
• Warbirds of America Hall of Fame: Ron and Diane Fagen of Granite Falls, Minnesota
• International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame: Mike Goulian of Plymouth, Massachusetts

The EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame were established to honor the outstanding achievements of men and women in aviation who share the spirit of EAA and its community. Those inducted into the halls of fame are selected by their peers for myriad contributions made to their respective areas of aviation. To date, more than 150 individuals have been honored since the first EAA Halls of Fame were created in the 1990s.

EAA HALLS OF FAME 2026 INDUCTEES

HOMEBUILDERS HALL OF FAME

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. By 2005, Blyth was eager to test his design skills on something more substantial. As South Africa’s distributor for Rotax, he designed 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 had developed a prototype. Blyth 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.

VINTAGE AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME

Tom Brown (EAA 24495): Brown’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 Pietenpol flying with more than 1,650 hours on the tach. Since that time, Brown has been involved with and restored a wide variety of award-winning vintage airplanes. His 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, Brown��s humble demeanor is truly what sets him apart. He is regarded as someone who shares his passion and is always willing to help others with his knowledge.

INTERNATIONAL AEROBATIC CLUB HALL OF FAME

Mike Goulian (EAA Lifetime 259398): Mike Goulian has been involved in aviation since the mid-1980s and he now holds ratings that include Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument and Designated Pilot Examiner. He joined EAA and the International Aerobatic Club in 1987 at the age of 17 and became 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. Goulian 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, Goulian and his wife, Karin, founded Mike Goulian Aviation, an aviation business focused on flight training in and management of Cirrus Aircraft. He is also a member of the EAA board of directors and spends much of his free time advocating for general aviation.

WARBIRDS OF AMERICA HALL OF FAME

Ron (EAA 116414) and Diane (EAA 1220167) Fagen: Ron and Diane Fagen have together 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 warbird world ever since. The Fagens’ mission to preserve and pay tribute to our heritage and contribute to the entire warbird community is exemplary.

ULTRALIGHTS HALL OF FAME

Ronnie Smith (EAA 697906): Smith is the owner and guiding force behind South Mississippi Light Aircraft, devoting years to the light-aircraft industry, as well as developing a deep knowledge of aircraft, engines, maintenance, and the people who make aviation such a special part of their lives. For Smith, aviation has always been about much more than machines. His willingness to listen, share his knowledge, and help others solve problems has earned him the respect of the aviation community. South Mississippi Light Aircraft became a reflection of Smith’s dedication and passion for aviation. The business has been associated with light aircraft and Rotax engines for many years, and Smith became particularly known for providing technical assistance and maintenance support to aircraft owners.