Aerobatic Training, Seaplane Rating Among The Prizes Awarded

Some lucky EAA pilots will receive aerobatic training, a seaplane rating, and an aviation watch after being named winners in the Young Eagles Pilot Appreciation Sweepstakes. The sweepstakes was organized by EAA Young Eagles Chairman Sean D. Tucker (pictured) to show his appreciation for EAA volunteer pilots who generously give their time flying Young Eagles. The air show performing legend considers EAA’s volunteer pilots his “personal heroes” and wanted to thank them for their service to the Young Eagles program.

Each volunteer pilot who flew at least one Young Eagle from January 1-June 30, 2014, was automatically entered. The winners were selected by drawing at AirVenture Oshkosh and included:

Tom Dirkovich, EAA 655327, Lemoore, California, and Ralph Widman, EAA 125685, Lynchburg, Ohio, each won aerobatic performance training from Sean D. Tucker’s Tutima Academy of Aviation Safety at the Mesa Del Rey Airport (KKIC), in King City, California. They’ll receive eight hours of flight time and 15 hours of ground time during the 5-day program. The program covers basic through advanced maneuvers, all taught to competition standards.

Hans Steiner, EAA 775948, Exeter, California, won the seaplane rating through Tubreaux Aviation in Shreveport, Louisiana, which is donating the airplane, instructor, and examiner for Hans to obtain a seaplane rating. Hans, who took home a Bronze Lindy from Oshkosh this year for his 1941 Stinson 10A, N32210, also owns a marine dealership so he’ll feel right at home on the water.

And Robert Joyner, EAA 711680, Mooresville, North Carolina, is the winner of a Tutima Grand Classic Chronograph F2 watch, which has 12-hour, 30-minute, and 60-second counters, is shock resistant and water resistant to 10 BAR.

EAA expresses its thanks to all pilots who were entered in the contest by flying Young Eagles during the sweepstakes period.

FMI: www.eaa.org