John Hofmann

John's background is in aviation maintenance and restoration, as well as in the nonprofit association world. In the 1970s, he, like many of us, started with plastic models and radio-controlled planes as a child. He achieved his private pilot certificate at age 18, became an EAA member in 1982, and a VAA member in 1988.

After moving to Indiana in 1990, John joined EAA Chapter 226 and eventually became Secretary and then President. He then started his first project, a Taylorcraft L-2, went to A&P school in Indianapolis, and became a technical writer for Rolls-Royce Jet Engines (Allison Engine Company). He mainly worked with T-56 engines on the C-130, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior program, and the V-22 Osprey, where he was responsible for the aircraft's first engine operations manual.

While working for Ken Cook, Co. in Milwaukee, John wrote manuals and handled marketing for Beechcraft and several boat companies, including Chris-Craft, Sea-Ray, Toyota, and in the automotive world for Volvo Cars of North America. He also enjoyed being on the editing team for Duane Cole's final book, "Airport Memories." John used to joke that he was the most published author of books nobody read.

2002 marked a career change when he transitioned from technical writing to association management. Over the next 20 years, John learned a great deal about non-profit and membership association retention, governance, financial management, and executive leadership. Through former VAA Board Member and mentor Steve Krog, he was invited to join VAA leadership, first as an advisor and then as a board member, and was elected to the board of directors in 2017. With the help of board member Earl Nicholas, we worked to grow VAA membership. Since starting in 2013, our membership has increased from 5,000 to 6,200, with a retention rate of 88%, the highest among the EAA divisions. During the pandemic, John led the redesign of the VAA website and thoroughly enjoys his time volunteering at AirVenture.

John has a passion for vintage aircraft, which he sees as time machines that transport people to a simpler era. Flying and maintaining them is incredibly enjoyable. The friendships fostered through these planes are invaluable, often more meaningful than the aircraft themselves. They serve as a common bond among great friends. Right now, he owns a J3 Cub and is close to completing a 1932 Great Lakes.

John wants to promote the fun and affordability of vintage aircraft. He considers vintage planes the "Gateway to Aviation" and has always been drawn to machines that are accessible to the average person without costing more than their house. With MOSAIC passed and active, these planes will only become more popular.

John would like VAA to work more closely with type clubs. While we are the overall organization, the type clubs are the data holders and experts on each aircraft type. John would also like to discuss how we can increase our member benefits and offerings for the other 50 weeks of the year outside of AirVenture.