EAA, Seaplane Pilots Association Announce Joint Effort

February 2, 2017 - The EAA and Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA) have recently signed a memorandum of understanding that expands the organizations’ joint efforts to bring the possibilities of flight to more people.

“There is a common passion for flight that connects SPA and EAA, with our organizations sharing a significant number of members,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and chairman. “This memo of understanding sets the stage of the next step of cooperation between our associations, as we must work together to sustain and grow interest in all forms of aviation.”

The Seaplane Pilots Association’s primary focus is to promote safe seaplane operation sand protect our privilege to share our nation’s waterways with recreational, governmental, and commercial operators.

The agreement outlines specific areas where EAA and SPA will work together, including support of mutual membership goals, collaborating on advocacy issues, and joint opportunities to promote both organizations to the public. It also encompasses EAA’s continued support of seaplane base operations during the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in.

“The SPA and its members are excited to explore a closer relationship with EAA and begin work on how both organizations will, in a mutual way, promote and increase aviation participation across all age groups,” said Steven McCaughey, SPA executive director. “We share so many fundamental principles that working together will benefit all our members and recreational aviation overall.”

EAA and SPA will create a joint working group to explore possibilities for joint activities and programs that could inspire youth and adults to get involved in flying, especially seaplane flying.  The agreement also provides for increased visibility of each organization in the other’s outreach and communications channels.