New Homebuilt HQ Coming, Also, In 2004

ANN thinks the EAA folks just hit a homerun with this idea... Homebuilt aircraft enthusiasts will have new facilities to enhance their participation in the Experimental Aircraft Association's 52nd annual EAA AirVenture fly-in convention this summer, as a homebuilt camping area and new Homebuilders Headquarters building will open on the grounds.

EAA AirVenture 2004 is scheduled for July 27-August 2 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It is the world's largest general aviation event, hosted by EAA's 170,000 members and operated by more than 4,000 volunteers.

The homebuilt aircraft camping area will be located just west of the Forums Pavilion and homebuilt parking area. It offers an area where those who fly such aircraft to camp together, close to the forums, workshops and homebuilt exhibitor areas. The new camping location will also include shower and restroom facilities.

"Along with the natural camaraderie that will evolve in such an area, the homebuilt camping site adds to the total campus 'feel' of this section of the grounds," said Tom Poberezny, EAA President and AirVenture Chairman. "EAA members who are homebuilt enthusiasts have indicated they spend a tremendous amount of time in the forums and workshops, as well as with commercial exhibitors who cater to those who build their own airplanes. This camping area will add convenience for those who want to enjoy the true AirVenture experience of camping with their airplanes."

In addition, the opening of a specific homebuilt camping area opens additional areas in the vintage and showplane aircraft camping areas, which was very popular during last year's EAA AirVenture. The new camping facility can handle nearly 100 homebuilt aircraft and will be available, as with all EAA campgrounds, on a first-come, first-served basis.

The new and expanded Homebuilders Headquarters building will be located farther north than the previous facility, in the midst of homebuilt aircraft parking along the EAA AirVenture flight line. The new building will offer numerous services, such as aircraft registration, camping credentials, admission passes and general information, as well as special items for those who bring their homebuilt aircraft to Oshkosh. There is also a large porch, which is partially covered, that will undoubtedly serve as a rendezvous point for many visitors. The new Homebuilders Headquarters also includes a builders' store with the latest books and videos.

"As we continue to enhance the EAA AirVenture site, we look to make our facilities more user-friendly," Poberezny said. "Much of the input for these new areas came from our volunteer Chairmen and other EAA members, especially the volunteers who serve on our Homebuilt Aircraft Council, who have a deep interest in making AirVenture the finest aviation event possible for homebuilt aircraft enthusiasts."

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