Aims To More Clearly Define Group's Involvement In SERFI

The Experimental Aircraft Association announced Wednesday it has signed a new working agreement with the Southeast Regional Fly-In (SERFI) that brings higher visibility to the SERFI event and clearly defines EAA's role in the popular fly-in.

The agreement underscores the shared missions of SERFI, which is celebrating its 18th anniversary in 2008, and EAA, the 170,000-member international organization that is dedicated to the spirit of aviation. Under the agreement, EAA will provide extensive promotion and coverage of SERFI, and also serve as a major sponsor of aviation educational activities such as forums and workshops during the event, among other considerations.

"This agreement provides an outstanding framework to ensure the future success of SERFI, confirms its organizational independence and highlights EAA's support for grassroots aviation events throughout the country," said Adam Smith, EAA's vice president of membership. "We have set the stage for success in our shared missions, which is to promote recreational aviation in all its forms."

The two organizations had operated under a more informal agreement, which did not provide specific definitions of each group's commitments and responsibilities. The new agreement, which is in place just in time for this year's SERFI on October 24-26 at Evergreen, AL reflects the evolving aviation community in the 21st century.

"We're very happy to have this agreement signed with EAA," said Bruce Newman, SERFI chairman. "We're glad to be able to maintain a sponsorship relationship with EAA."

SERFI will once again be held at Middleton Field (GZH) just west of Evergreen, AL, which features plenty of room for aircraft camping and parking. This year's theme is "Three Days of Friendly Folks and Flying Fun."

SERFI is owned and operated by the Southeast Regional Fly-In Inc., an organization that is independent of EAA. EAA does not own or control any part of the event or organizing body.

FMI: www.serfi.org, www.eaa.org