Tom Poberezny Is Pumped Up Over AirVenture '04

It's started. The airplanes are arriving in ever greater numbers, the lines at the popular restaurants have begun, and the campground is showing serious signs of life. Unlike other years where one thing or another from our past was celebrated; this year seems like a fresh start. With the first 100 years of manned flight behind us, a new sport pilot rule finally announced, and the astounding victory (and promise ) of Burt Rutan's private space program, the aviation world is looking very much forward to the future.

But no one seems to be looking forward as much as EAA Boss Tom Poberezny--who told ANN he is even more enthused than usual as Oshkosh 2004 readies for liftoff. While visiting ANN's Mobile Press Center in the EAA Media Mall, Poberezny noted that 2004 was finally "an opportunity to look forward... in the past we always seemed to be looking back. But now, with the Millionth Young Eagles milestone, Sport Pilot on the books, and Rutan's flight last month; we've got so much to look forward to."

Poberezny remembered how Rutan once promised him (during a presentation at the Theater in the Woods) that someday in the future, Burt would be coming to Oshkosh on the way back from space. Poberezny believes him...

"It seems that Oshkosh is becoming a venue for empowerment," he opined.

He agreed with ANN's assessment that much of sport and general aviation has come to define their future via appearances at Oshkosh, over the years, and took great pride in helping so many get their start.

"To many, this is where it begins. We have the opportunity to make an impact on people's dreams and give them a chance to show us what they hope to do... and later, what they have actually done. Oshkosh provides amazing opportunities."

Tom seems to think that aviation's future is looking brighter than ever. "Sport Pilot is here now and over the (coming) years, I think we can mold it and influence it to be what we need it to be... bit by bit. But it's up to us now. And I guess that means we (still) have a lot of work to do."

Tom is also impressed by the maturity demonstrated by that part of the industry that shows up each year to exhibit at Oshkosh, remarking on the impressive quality of exhibits and programs that are seen at Oshkosh these days.

"It's become very professional. We're looking better than ever."

FMI: www.eaa.org