Recognized For Volunteer Efforts And Tech Counseling

Bob Rockford of Overland, MO has been selected as the 2008 recipient of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Tony Bingelis Award, recognizing his involvement as an active volunteer Technical Counselor and aircraft builder.

Representatives with EAA tell Aero-News Rockford has volunteered as a Technical Counselor for more than 12 years, sharing his knowledge and providing thousands of hours of advice to builders and instruction in teaching workshops in the St. Louis area. He is also the founder of EAA Chapter 1394 and is currently president of that chapter. Rockford often opens his home shop to assist builders in his area and is always the first to volunteer for a project.

Rockford has been building, repairing and flying airplanes for more than 60 years, including antique airplane restorations for the Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum in St. Louis. He is also an A&P Mechanic and has contributed outstanding support and participation in the FAA General Aviation Aircraft Accident Prevention Program since its inception on July 1, 1968. 

Rockford will be honored during the EAA AirVenture Homebuilder's Dinner on Thursday, July 31. Tickets for that dinner will be available at Homebuilder's Headquarters during EAA AirVenture 2008.

The Tony Bingelis Award, created in 2002, recognizes an individual's significant contributions of encouragement of homebuilt aircraft projects, the promotion of air safety, and maintaining the values of EAA. It honors the memory of the late Tony Bingelis, noted homebuilding authority and EAA Sport Aviation columnist.

FMI: www.eaa.org