Five Individuals Recognized During a Ceremony at the EAA Aviation Center

A group of five recreational aviation trailblazers was honored on November 12 as the newest members of the EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame. The initiation ceremony and dinner were held at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, bringing together families and longtime friends to recognize the contributions that have made flying what it is today.

Vic Syracuse was first up, entering the EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame for a collection of work that spans a dozen completed aircraft, extensive pre-buy evaluation work, and years of hands-on guidance through technical counseling, articles, and instructional content. His leadership on EAA’s Homebuilt Aircraft Council demonstrated his passion for advocacy in builder education and safety.

Vintage Aircraft Association inductee Mark Holliday was recognized for a lifetime of aviation from his 26 sixteenth birthday solos through decades of cross-country deliveries, airshow aerobatic performances, and an unbroken attendance streak at EAA conventions dating back to 1969. His experience in more than 200 aircraft types and longtime involvement with the Swift community made him a living, breathing manual of technical knowledge and historical insight.

The Ultralights Hall of Fame honored Dave Cronk for reshaping early rigid-wing hang-gliders into durable, reliable ultralight designs. By adapting the original Quicksilver concept into several powered models, Cronk helped establish construction methods that remain standard across the ultralight sector. His most well-known design is the GT-500, which was the first ultralight certified in the FAA’s light-sport category.

Two posthumous recognitions rounded out this year’s class, beginning with legendary aerobatic pilot Rob Holland as the International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame’s 2025 inductee. Holland earned 13 consecutive US Unlimited championships and six world freestyle titles while growing a reputation as a mentor and aerobatic powerhouse.

The Warbirds of America Hall of Fame paid tribute to the legacy of Darrel Berry, remembered for his commitment to preserving and flying historic military aircraft. Berry’s portfolio included more than three dozen warbirds, from trainers to a TBM Avenger, as well as military service and an extensive flying career.

FMI: www.eaa.org