Famed aerobatic pilot, businessman, EAA president and chairman, and promoter of youth in aviation, Tom Poberezny was born into a pioneering aviation family. His father Paul, and a few of his father's friends, founded the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in 1958. Tom attended Northwestern University, and after graduation became a pilot, eventually excelling in aerobatics. Poberezny joined the United States National Unlimited Aerobatic Team, winning the World Aerobatic Championship in 1972. And, as a solo competitor in 1973, Poberezny won the U.S. National Unlimited Aerobatic Championship. Poberezny also continued to fly for many years as an aerobatic pilot with the legendary Eagles Aerobatic team (originally known as the Red Devils), formed in 1971, and continuing to 1995, the most successful civilian precision flying team in history, performing before millions of spectators. Poberezny was elected president of EAA in 1989 after his father retired, continuing as president until 2010. Under his leadership the legacy of the EAA grew, with membership reaching over 170,000 worldwide. In 1992, he started a program to promote aviation to a new generation of Americans, creating the EAA Young Eagles program. To date, the program has introduced and has flown more than 1.6 million young people. Poberezny also played a pivotal leadership role in the centennial of flight celebration as a member of the Centennial of Flight Commission. He also spearheaded the EAA's leadership role in the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft categories, as well as serving as spokesman for the importance of general aviation to the national transportation system, and as a unique expression of personal freedom. One of Poberezny's most demanding and long lasting roles was that of chairman of the annual EAA AirVenture Fly-In Convention. He has served in this important capacity for more than thirty years. During his leadership, AirVenture Oshkosh, as it is now known, has grown into the world's largest annual general aviation event, now attracting 750,000 visitors, with 10,000 aircraft from 68 countries.
Inducted in 2011.
Portrait Location: Modern Jet

Induction Video