Unanimous Vote Repeals Homebuilder Ban

There was a unique opportunity for aviation enthusiasts in Jacksonville, FL to celebrate on Thursday. Several EAA members gathered at Cecil Field Airport to recognize the recent repeal of that city's ordinance banning construction of aircraft in a person's own home.

The happy EAA'ers also presented special honors to City Councilwoman Glorious Johnson, who spearheaded the unanimous vote to repeal the ordinance on September 27.

Earl Lawrence, EAA's vice president of industry and regulatory affairs, was on hand to personally thank Councilwoman Johnson as well as Milford Shirley, EAA Chapter 193's president who led the grassroots effort in Jacksonville. Serving as an appropriate backdrop was EAA's B-17 "Aluminum Overcast," which was at the airport to kick off its weekend "Keep It Flying Tour" stop in the city.  

"I am particularly pleased to recognize Glorious Johnson for acknowledging the potential of the homebuilt aircraft community and allowing citizens of Jacksonville to continue to build and restore their personal aircraft," Lawrence said.

Shirley presented Councilwoman Johnson with a framed "STOP THE EVERETT LAW" T-shirt, which were worn by many EAAers this summer at council and committee meetings.

Johnson remarked that she had no fear of anyone who did not support her effort to repeal the discriminatory law, then led a rousing, "EAA! EAA! EAA!" cheer when Lawrence presented a special plaque to Shirley, recognizing the hard work done at the grassroots level by area EAAers.

"It's important to recognize the work of EAA chapters, who led the effort to ensure that people who dream of creating their own aircraft have the opportunity to do so in Jacksonville," Lawrence said. "EAA is what it is because of what our members do. Our job is to facilitate our members' privilege to use their hands and hearts to create great things for aviation and our society."

FMI: www.eaa.org