Program Will Honor Humanitarian Pilots
The breadth and depth of good works
accomplished by general aviation will be in the spotlight at EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh 2009, as a weeklong "Fly for Life" program will
recognize those who fly to serve others around the world.
EAA says the Fly for Life program will both highlight
public-benefit aviation activities and mission-based flight
operations, with EAA working with the Air Care Alliance and the
International Association of Missionary Aviation, among others,
that represent more than 200 organizations. Activities will include
a major display adjacent to EAA AirVenture's showcase AeroShell
Square, aircraft displays, numerous forums and presentations, an
evening program, and other events.
"There are so many ways that general aviation serves people
around the world - even people who don't have a direct involvement
with flying," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture
chairman. "Aviation is used to meet basic human needs and bring
hope in so many ways, including medical and dental missions to
remote regions of the world, famine relief, and a wide range of
other humanitarian projects. We are looking forward to recognizing
those people and organizations during EAA AirVenture 2009."
Many humanitarian organizations have been longtime participants
at EAA AirVenture through individual exhibit areas and
presentations. The Fly for Life program marks the first time all
these public-benefit and mission flight organizations have come
together to highlight the ways that general aviation serves people
worldwide.
"There is an incredible story to tell of the hundreds of
airplanes and thousands of dedicated people, including many, many
EAA members, who generously devote themselves to using their flying
abilities to make our world a better place," said former EAA vice
president Bob Warner, who is serving as the program's volunteer
chairman. "It may be a flight that carries relief supplies to a
disaster-stricken area, or flies transplant organs to waiting
recipients, or supports faith-based missions.
"This is a story that we want to share not only with the
aviation community at EAA AirVenture, but to the public that does
not always understand the depth of aviation's contribution to our
world."
Warner said the program welcomes those engaged in humanitarian,
public-benefit and mission aviation efforts to participate in the
weeklong activities. (Those groups interested in participating may
contact Bob Warner at bob@aviationlifestyle.com).
The exact schedule of activities will be announced as it is
finalized.
The 57th annual EAA convention will be held July 27-August 2,
2009, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.