Receives Robert J. Painter Memorial Award

Earl Lawrence, EAA Vice President of Industry and Regulatory Affairs, received the Robert J. Painter Memorial Award from ASTM International and the Standards Engineering Society (SES) this week during the annual SES conference at New Orleans (LA).

Lawrence was honored for spearheading EAA's leadership role in developing light-sport aircraft design and manufacturing standards through ASTM's Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) Committee, which he chairs.

The committee's formation, which now includes 160 members from 12 nations, marks the first time aviation industry organizations and government officials joined to establish consensus standards to be used by the entire industry.

"This recognition of Earl's leadership highlights EAA's primary position in the evolution of sport pilot and light-sport aircraft standards," EAA President Tom Poberezny said. "ASTM and SES have a unique overview of the work being done in hundreds of industries. To have Earl honored as the best among them this year speaks very highly of his dedicated efforts and those of EAA to make these new categories a reality."

Lawrence has been with EAA since 1994.

In his current position, he helps formulate and communicate EAA positions on a wide variety of issues that concern EAA members and other aviation enthusiasts to the FAA, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other agencies. 

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