EAA And The Soaring Society Of America Announce Joint Effort To Boost Aviation Participation

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Soaring Society of America (SSA) announced last week they joined in a memorandum of understanding that expands the organizations’ joint efforts to bring the possibilities of flight to more people.

In a press release, EAA said the announcement during SSA’s annual convention in Greenville, South Carolina, formalizes a relationship between the organizations as they promote and encourage flying activities. It will also include initiatives ranging from membership growth and communications to advocacy and youth activities.

“There is a common passion for flight that connects SSA and EAA, with our organizations sharing a significant number of members,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA chairman/CEO. “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 new memo of understanding also outlines specific areas where EAA and SSA will work together. That includes web and publications presence, and possibilities of joint activities between EAA chapters and SSA’s local clubs. It also encompasses visibility at major events, including EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the SSA convention, as well as through the International Aerobatic Club, EAA’s special interest community for aerobatic flight.

“The SSA and its members are excited to explore a closer partnership with the EAA and begin work on how both organizations will, in a mutual way, promote and increase aviation participation across all age groups,” said Ken Sorenson, SSA chairman. “We share so many fundamental principles that working together will benefit all our members and recreational aviation overall. We’re excited to build a close relationship with our friends within EAA.”

EAA said that they will work with SSA to create a joint working group to further explore possibilities for joint activities and programs that could inspire youth and adults to further explore ways to get involved in model aviation or recreational flying.  The agreement also provides for increased visibility of each organization in the other’s outreach and communications channels.

The Soaring Society of America was formed in 1932 to foster and promote all phases of soaring, both nationally and internationally. The SSA acts as the parent organization for soaring in the United States by representing the collective interests of its members, including individuals, clubs, chapters and businesses.

Earlier this year, the EAA also announced a similar joining of goals with the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). We at ANN applaud these organizations for joining together to promote recreational aviation at all levels.

FMI: www.eaa.org    www.ssa.org