The EAA Sport Aviation Halls Of Fame Honors The Outstanding Achievements Of Men And Women In Aviation

Last week, EAA recognized contributions made to the world of flight by five aviators as they were inducted into the EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame during an induction banquet at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, WI.

The five aviators represent the spectrum of aviation within the EAA community and have achieved notable successes within their particular realm of flight. They include:

EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame: Tom Hamilton

Tom Hamilton expanded the world of homebuilding when he, along with Ted Setzer, introduced the Glasair and molded composite to the field in 1980 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Tom later sold Glasair Aviation to his employees, but rejoined later with Ted and others to design the GlaStar. He also founded Aerocet, which is now the world leader in composite float production.

International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame: Sean D. Tucker

Sean D. Tucker, a well-known name in aviation, has flown more than 1,200 performances at more than 475 air shows since he began his flying career in the mid-1970s. With practicing his air show routine three times every day, Sean’s discipline and commitment to aerobatics are apparent.

Warbirds of America Hall of Fame: Nelson Ezell

Nelson Ezell is well known in the Warbird community as one of the best in the business.  From his facilities at the Stephens County Airport in Texas, he and his team have saved some unique aircraft that otherwise may have ended up in the scrap heap. They have restored aircraft including a Brewster Corsair, Lockheed P-38 Lightning, many P-51 Mustangs, and multiple F8F Bearcats.

EAA Ultralight Hall of Fame: Leonard Milholland

In 1998 Leonard Milholland introduced his Legal Eagle ultralight design. He’s often said his life changed the day the picture of his Legal Eagle appeared in Sport Aviation magazine Over the years, Leonard has added the Double Eagle, Legal Eagle XL, and the Cabin Eagle to his list of designs.

Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame: Gus Gustafson, (posthumous)

Dale “Gus” Gustafson, 40-year member of the Vintage Aircraft Association board of directors, obtained a rare copilot job with (Roscoe) Turner Airlines in 1950, flying surplus World War II C-47s and DC-3s. He owned, flew, and restored various airplanes, including a Stearman, Piper J-4 Cub Coupe, and Aeronca 11AC Chief. Gus passed away June 26, 2014.

The EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame were established to honor the outstanding achievements of men and women in aviation who share the spirit of EAA and its community. Those inducted into the hall of fame are selected by their peers for the myriad of contributions made to their respective areas of aviation.

FMI: EAA Sport Aviation Hall of Fame