Will Continue In Role Through 2009

The Experimental Aircraft Association announced Tuesday Jack J. Pelton, chairman, president, and CEO at Cessna Aircraft Company, has confirmed he will extend his chairmanship of the EAA Gathering of Eagles Committee for two more years -- in line with Cessna’s pledge to serve as hosting sponsor of the EAA Gathering of Eagles event through 2009.

The event takes place each summer concurrent with EAA’s annual AirVenture Oshkosh convention. People representing all corners of the aviation community come together at the gathering to affirm and raise funds supporting EAA’s mission. EAA applies the funds raised toward its youth-inspiring, educating, and history-preserving work.

"EAA’s programs use aviation to benefit young people, encouraging them to believe in themselves, apply themselves, and achieve. Cessna wants to continue to be a part of that work by hosting the event. My personal commitment to EAA drove my decision to stay on as the Gathering of Eagles Committee chairman throughout this time," Pelton said.

"Some of the kids participating in EAA’s youth programs go on to become aviation leaders — pilots, engineers, mechanics, executives and more. By supporting EAA’s programs, Cessna is investing in the future of the general aviation community," Pelton added.

EAA President Tom Poberezny welcomed Pelton’s announcement. "Jack, who is a lifetime EAA member, brings the highest level of leadership and dedication. Most importantly, he has a true understanding of, and passion for, our work to enhance the role of aviation in enriching people’s lives," Poberezny said.

Given the diversity within EAA, Poberezny characterized the organization as the ideal venue for congregating and rallying various constituencies within general aviation.

"EAA’s essence lies in its ability to bring together, in a single community, aviation’s most passionate participants. It’s a community made up of individual enthusiasts, corporate interests, philanthropists, and more -- all of whom believe in keeping the spirit of aviation alive," Poberezny said.

Pelton also focused on the common ground shared among diverse participants. "As the people who live and love aviation, we can’t afford to take it for granted. Aviation’s future depends on our ability to collaborate and build a legacy to carry forward," Pelton said.

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