EAAers’ Can-Do Attitude

I just returned from San Marcos, Texas, where EAA teamed with AOPA on April 26 at the first of its six scheduled regional fly-ins to help promote GA. I was proud to see EAA chapter members in action. EAAers really have that can-do attitude.

President of our Austin-based Chapter 187, Haruko Reese started planning the event months in advance for how she and the chapter were going to volunteer and be the ground crew for our B-17 that would be part of the fly-in at San Marcos. Haruko worked tirelessly on all the planning and organizing, and when the big day came, she and more than 25 Chapter 187 volunteer members were ready to go. Despite oppressive (95℉) heat, they made it all happen - proving to me once again how special EAA members are. Thank you, Haruko and chapter members of 187 for making the fly-in and the B-17 stop a success.

While in San Marcos, I met with Russ Ross from our New Braunfels-based Chapter 958. Members actually moved their chapter to San Marcos and were having their very first chapter meeting at their new location, the Red Bird Skyport, and they asked me to speak at their meeting.

I always enjoy this part of my job, interacting with the chapter members and getting some good feedback and helping with ideas. Please remember that I work for you…the chapters. Russ and his members also helped staff the EAA tent on the ramp. I think they even signed up a few members to their chapter.

Several people came into the tent and asked what EAA stood for. I would ask them what they flew and what part of aviation they enjoyed and simply told them that we are a 189,000-member organization of people passionate about aviation. If it flies, we love it, and we love all things aviation.

I know many of you say that some people get turned off by the term “experimental.” Well, that is our roots and the core of EAA, but as you know, we are so much more than that. If they love aviation, they belong in EAA.

This month we spotlight another EAA division, the Vintage Aircraft Association. Max Platts heads that group at EAA headquarters, and his article describes how it is dedicated to preserving aviation’s heritage.

Thank you for all you do for EAA and aviation.