Has Also Been Volunteering At The Builder’s Education Center Since 2003

The homebuilt aviation community is celebrating the many contributions of Carl Franz, EAA 511275 -- who is the 2021 recipient of the Tony Bingelis Award, after serving as a tech counselor for almost 20 years. Carl has also been volunteering at the Builder’s Education Center since 2003, where he is now the chairman.

The Tony Bingelis Award recognizes EAA technical counselors for dedicated service and/or significant contributions in assisting members to build and restore aircraft. Through his years of service as a tech counselor, Carl has exemplified this idea, humbly serving his fellow aviators.

“[Carl] has been an active tech counselor, even throughout the last year and a half,” said Director of Chapters and Homebuilding Charlie Backer, EAA Lifetime 515808. Tony Bingelis, after serving in World War II, completed over seven homebuilts. Starting in 1972, Tony wrote almost 300 separate how-to articles for EAA Sport Aviation. He also wrote four books on homebuilding practices. Tony was inducted into the EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame in 2002.

Recipients of the award are carefully chosen by a committee of their peers as outstanding examples of people whose contributions have positively affected members’ aircraft building or restoration projects. Throughout his time has a tech counselor, Carl has put his knowledge from Tony’s books to use.

“I read all of Tony Bingelis’ books when I was building my airplane,” Carl said. “I have passed that information on to the people I work with.”

Despite all he does, Carl wasn’t expecting this award.

“I was speechless. It was a considerable shock to me,” Carl said. “I’ve learned a lot from the people I’ve worked with, and I just try to share that knowledge.” The Tony Bingelis Award will be given to Carl at the Homebuilder’s Dinner on Thursday at 6 p.m.

FMI: www.eaa.org