Says Able-Bodied Roadies Are Just Difficult To Find Among EAA Members

ANN April 1st Special Edition

EAA president and CEO Rod Hightower may be forced to cancel plans for a 2012 "Grass Roots" tour similar to the one he undertook last year because he's having difficulties finding roadies able to take the pace.

"It can be pretty grueling," said Hightower. "and with the average age of EAA members being ... what ... well let's just say there are more old crows in the organization than spring chickens ... finding guys that can go the distance is pretty challenging."

Hightower has not given up completely on the tour, but he is asking for an EKG and urologist's report from applicants before considering them for the tour. "Some of these small airports we visit may not have sufficient men's' rooms to deal with the guys we have on tour," he said. "We've got to be sure we don't overwhelm some of these smaller airport septic systems."

EAA human resources reports that despite the requirements, there is no shortage of members willing to travel with the president if they pass the test. Mostly, though, they hoped to be able to get a ride in the back seat of the EAA leader's T6. When told of that most-requested perk, Hightower's response was, "Really?"

FMI: www.eaagrassroots2012.org