Catch the Spirit of Aviation During EAA’s Mobile Unit National Tour
February 23, 2017 - The Experimental Aircraft Association delivers the excitement of flight to locations throughout the United States in 2017 as EAA’s “Spirit of Aviation” mobile unit, sponsored by NATCA, visits a dozen events throughout the year. The mobile experience brings the EAA brand to aviation enthusiasts through hands-on, member-tested activities engaging people in what EAA is all about.
The Spirit of Aviation mobile unit, made possible with support from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), is headed to South By Southwest Create (SXSW) next, the maker and new technologies arm of the festival. SXSW is EAA’s first non-aviation centered event, which provides the opportunity to reach new audiences and give them a glimpse into the world of aviation. Other visits throughout the year include:
- April 4-9: Sun ’n Fun Fly-In; Lakeland, Florida
- May 13-20: Joe Nall Week at Triple Tree Aerodrome; Woodruff, South Carolina
- June 28-July 9: Summerfest; Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- July 24-30: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh; Oshkosh, Wisconsin
- August 10-20: Illinois State Fair, Springfield, Illinois
- September 8-9: AOPA Fly-In; Norman, Oklahoma
- October 7-15: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta; Albuquerque, New Mexico
- October 28-29: Fort Worth Alliance Air Show; Fort Worth, Texas
Visitor experiences include flight time in two Redbird TD flight simulators, a “Welcome to EAA” 360-degree virtual reality video, and two hands-on EAA-branded activities: a sheet metal cookie cutter build project sponsored by Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, and an FT Venture foam glider build, sponsored by Flitetest.
The 53-foot unit is also a rolling billboard for EAA, which includes graphics highlighting a Long-EZ homebuilt aircraft and its futuristic design representing EAA’s experimental aircraft roots. It also features visibility for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the 25th anniversary of the Young Eagles program.
“Naturally we want to welcome current EAA members at aviation events, but this experience reaches far beyond to non-aviation fairs and festivals, where we can engage enthusiasts of all ages who are fascinated with flight,” said Dave Chaimson, EAA’s vice president of marketing and business development. “EAA has always been open to everyone who wishes to participate, and this will allow EAA to connect with hundreds of thousands of more people throughout the country!”
