Summit Yields Lengthy Agenda ('Hope They Dressed Warm...)

Discussions that touched on several important aspects of many different general aviation sectors took place this week at the EAA-FAA Mid-Winter 2006 Recreational Aviation Summit held Wednesday and Thursday at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Items discussed during the two days included amateur-built aircraft; sport pilot/light-sport aircraft; warbirds; vintage/aging aircraft; and Canadian harmonization issues.

"I've been meeting with FAA people for several decades," noted EAA President Tom Poberezny.

"This two-day summit has been one of the best if not the best sessions I've ever been involved with. We've really set our agenda as to where EAA will focus its resources for the coming year and beyond."

Jim Ballough, Director of Flight Standards, said, "This week was important and beneficial not only for the FAA and EAA, but for the flying public as well. We have a lot of worthy initiatives under way as a result."

The recreational aviation summit builds on EAA's longtime spirit of finding solutions to aviation issues and forging constructive working relationships with government, industry and aviation users.

For instance, members of the EAA Warbirds of America board were also involved in the summit, participating in discussions on specific warbird issues such as operating limitations and safety training programs. EAA's Vintage Aircraft Association and International Aerobatic Club were also represented during the two-day session.

EAA and FAA officials also continued planning for the agency's involvement at EAA AirVenture 2006, set for July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. FAA's activities at AirVenture include the extremely popular "Meet the Administrator" session, dozens of forums and presentations by high-level agency staff, and countless meetings between agency officials and their aviation constituents.

In his closing remarks, John Hickey, FAA Director of Aircraft Certification, noted the extensive list of commitments made during the two-day summit.

"Both our organizations always struggle with available resources, but you have my commitment on all these actions we've discussed over the past two days."

FMI: www.eaa.org