Nearing 30,000 Amateur-Built Planes In US!

The Experimental Aircraft Association notes the homebuilt movement is fast approaching a major milestone -- 30,000 amateur-built aircraft certificated in the United States -- just in time for AirVenture 2008, the latest incarnation of an event created by homebuilders more than a half-century ago.

During AirVenture week, July 28-August 3, EAA will announce the honorary 30,000th milestone homebuilt, chosen from among the aircraft flown to Wittman Regional Airport.

"Right now we are at about 29,800 certificated homebuilts," said Charlie Becker, EAA director of member programs. "We checked with the FAA and it is impossible to determine just which aircraft will be the 30,000th. This is a huge milestone for the homebuilt movement and EAA could not let this milestone go by unnoticed, so we've created another way to recognize this major achievement."

"At AirVenture, we will select an honorary 30,000th homebuilt to be the focal point of our celebration," Becker added.

To be eligible, a homebuilt aircraft must be:

• Flown to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008
• Completed certification in the amateur-built category in 2008
• Registered at Homebuilder's Headquarters no later than Tuesday, July 29
• Owner must be present at AirVenture on Wednesday and Thursday (July 30-31)

The honorary 30,000th homebuilt will be selected on Tuesday evening, via random drawing from among the eligible aircraft. A special display will showcase the honorary aircraft on AeroShell Square on Wednesday and Thursday, and the owner will accept a special award on behalf of all homebuilders from the FAA.

Both aircraft and owner will also be honored at the annual Homebuilders Dinner Thursday evening.

This year's commemorative "I Flew My Homebuilt" patch, which is given to all attending homebuilders who fly to AirVenture, will recognize this milestone. The patch features a Hatz Biplane in recognition of that model's 40th anniversary, along with the special tribute, "30,000 & Climbing."

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.airventure.org