The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has grown from a handful of members with an interest in homebuilt aircraft to a worldwide organization consisting of more than 180,000 individuals. Today, the organization represents the entire spectrum of recreational aviation, with over 1,000 chapters, and also sponsors AirVenture, the world's largest annual fly-in event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It also spreads the love of aviation to those between 8 and 17 through its "Young Eagles" program. The founder, Paul Poberezny, was a World War II and Korean War veteran, living in Milwaukee, when in January 1953 organized a group of local homebuilt aircraft designers, builders, and restorers into the EAA. Their first fly-in was that year at the Curtiss-Wright Airport in Milwaukee, with about 150 people and 21 aircraft. The next month, the first EAA chapter was established in Riverside, California. Since its inception, the EAA has been dedicated to exciting young people about aviation. In 1954, the EAA created the first "Teen-Hi Airlift" to spur interest in aviation by offering first flights to about 2,000 boys and girls between 13 and 19, and the "Kiddie Airlift" for first flights for children 12 or younger. The program expanded and in 1992, the EAA launched the Young Eagles Program. To date, over 1.9 million youngsters have flown through this program.
Inducted in 2015.
Portrait Location: Near R-44 and B-5 Brougham

Induction Video