Organization Righteously Toots Its Own Horn

The Experimental Aircraft Association's annual fly-in convention, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, again proved itself to be the pre-eminent gathering place for all segments of the general aviation community, as the event brought government and industry leaders together with aviation enthusiasts to build excitement at the dawn of aviation's second century.

EAA AirVenture 2003, which drew an estimated attendance of 770,000 during its seven-day run July 29-August 4, welcomed top aviation and transportation officials during the event. Guests included Norman Mineta, U.S. Secretary of Transportation; FAA Administrator Marion Blakey; and Ellen Engleman, Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board. In addition, other leading federal aviation officials and influential members of the U.S Congress, as well as officials from throughout the country and around the world, also attended.

"There is no other event that brings together the number and depth of aviation enthusiasts and policymakers as EAA AirVenture," said Tom Poberezny, EAA President and AirVenture Chairman. "When these leaders are at Oshkosh, it's not just for a brief appearance. As with the EAA members who attend, these leaders roll up their sleeves and help get things done for everyone in general aviation. The work we do here during AirVenture creates a multitude of positive benefits throughout the year for EAA members and the aviation community."

EAA AirVenture's reputation of being the best site for seeing the full spectrum of general-aviation activity is important for government officials. That broad representation allows those representatives to get in-depth information quickly. For instance, Blakey (right, with Eclipse's Vern Raburn and Red Poling) made an extended two-day visit to the event and participated in numerous meetings and gatherings that covered a wide range of aviation topics. She also brought along her top staff members, especially in the areas of flight standards and certification.

There were several areas of emphasis during EAA AirVenture 2003 of particular interest to EAA members and other aviation enthusiasts, including:

Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft

On July 31, Administrator Blakey announced that the Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft rules have been finalized by FAA and moved to DoT and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval.  Blakey praised EAA and Poberezny for their extensive efforts on sport pilot, calling them "champions" for general aviation. Secretary Mineta, meanwhile, pledged the sport pilot rule would be moved through the DoT very quickly, saying "it won't take long once it gets to my office" to be cleared for final publication.

In addition, personnel from FAA's newly opened Sport Pilot Office joined EAA staff and volunteers in the Sport Pilot pavilion each day during EAA AirVenture to meet with aviation enthusiasts interested in the new pilot and aircraft categories, and provide direct answers to questions regarding regulations and certification.

Regulation and Certification

FAA's chief certification officials reviewed changes to homebuilt aircraft operating limitations that were recently implemented at EAA's urging, and discussed continued adjustments to meet the needs of aircraft builders. In addition, aviation leaders from the Bahamas, which was making its first appearance in AirVenture's multi-agency Federal Pavilion, announced that amateur-built aircraft now had unrestricted access to that nation, which is a popular flight destination for U.S.-based aircraft.
EAA and FAA officials also continued work on the Designated Airworthiness Representative program, which would greatly increase the number of field inspectors for homebuilt aircraft. EAA also met with Australian representatives about developing a similar program in that nation.

Security

Robert Albracht, Director of Aviation Operations/General Aviation for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), attended EAA AirVenture to gain an understanding of GA operations. EAA used the opportunity to urge better communication regarding Temporary Flight Restrictions, since TSA serves as general aviation's voice with agencies such as the Secret Service.
"We discussed improved communications regarding TFRs and expressed our concern about the increasing number of presidential TFRs," said Earl Lawrence, EAA Vice President of Industry and Regulatory Affairs. "TSA listened to many pilots and will be communicating with Secret Service how important this issue is for us."
In addition, members of Congress and top Congressional aides also had the chance to review general aviation operations in-depth and deepen their understanding of the limited threat that general aviation presents to the American public.

Aging aircraft

FAA Administrator Blakey and FAA staff members joined EAA and aircraft type clubs for a discussion on aging aircraft, particularly in the vintage and warbird areas. Emerging from that meeting was a joint effort to produce materials that would help owners of vintage aircraft maintain and operate those airplanes. Of particular interest is developing simplified procedures and methods, including field approvals, which can be used to keep these older aircraft flying.

"The kind of discussions and progress that are made at EAA AirVenture are simply not available anywhere else," Poberezny added. "At Oshkosh, policymakers can see the airplanes and meet the pilots and builders involved in grassroots aviation. Meanwhile, EAA members have the opportunity to gain access to these officials and ask questions, suggest ideas and discuss solutions that help everyone in aviation. EAA has created an event that truly brings everyone together to help develop the future of general and recreational aviation."

FMI: www.eaa.org; www.airventure.org