Aviation Is At Its Best When Everybody Works Together For Good A Cause, And Here’s An Example

Sometimes the things we do in aviation literally sparkle in the sunlight. Here’s a story about an EAA chapter, a group of people that care about enabling those that are disabled, and a kit-built manufacturer working together to bring the joy of flight to those with disabilities.

Two groups have banded together for a common goal. EAA Chapter 1083 and John Robinson, founder of AV84all.org, have joined forces to build a Zenith CH 750 Cruzer in Salisbury, NC to benefit all pilots with disabilities. The EAA chapter members will launch a Zenith build-project on September 10, of this year at Rowan County Airport.

"EAA Chapter 1083 is literally making a dream come true for AV84all.org. Without their help it would take a lot longer to get this project off of the ground and they are making flying for the disabled a reality," said John Robinson, Founder of AV84all.org.

Rowan Area EAA Chapter 1083 was formed in 1993 and serves to encourage participation in aviation related programs, and to help others experience the thrill of flight. The chapter is committed to assisting AV84all.org with this build, and is looking forward to having a new flying club full of fellow builders, pilots, and enthusiasts in the area.

Jack Neubacher, the President of EAA Chapter 1083 said, "When I was first contacted by Zenith about helping John with this special project, I felt it was a great chance to help with one of the most important missions of our chapter - to encourage, educate and promote aviation for all."

AV84all.org’s John Robinson earned his pilot's license through the Able Flight organization in 2015. After obtaining his pilot's license he wanted to continue on the journey of making general aviation accessible for all people with disabilities. He formed the non-profit organization, AV84all.org, and this group-build project is the first step in allowing pilots with disabilities to form a flying club with a Zenith aircraft. Other future goals for AV84all.org include a ground school, trial flights, flight training, simulator sessions, and more!

Charles Stites, Able Flight Executive Director said, “It's wonderful to see this project come together, not as an Able Flight project, but as an initiative of someone who has been through our program. And it's especially gratifying that Zenith Aircraft, a company that also supports Able Flight, has generously chosen to work with EAA Chapter 1083 to help make this possible. I am hopeful that the success of this project will inspire similar efforts throughout the country."

Zenith Aircraft will provide engineering oversight to help customize this Zenith CH 750 Cruzer to fit the needs of the pilots with disabilities involved in the project.

Sebastien Heintz, the owner of Zenith Aircraft Company said, "One of the true advantages of experimental amateur-built airplanes is they can be fully customized by the builder to make it one of a kind. The EAA Maker Edition of SolidWorks is a tool that will be used for the customization of the needed hand controls for this group build project. The 3D solid model of the aircraft offers a huge advantage to the owner/builder/pilot when building their own aircraft, and especially for those who have a specific purpose in mind."

Charlie Becker, EAA’s Chapter Director said, "EAA's mission is to grow participation in aviation and our chapter network delivers on our mission in so many ways and what Chapter 1083 is doing is just another great example. Not only will the members of the chapter get to learn and build, but the finished aircraft will create a wonderful opportunity for pilots with disabilities." - Charlie Becker, EAA Chapter Director

Tax deductible donations are being accepted now for kit parts, tools, engine, and avionics for this project at the links below or by contacting John Robinson at 704.302.3276.

(Images from Zenith Aircraft)

FMI: Original source from Zenith aircraft   AV84all.org