Program Will Honor Humanitarian Pilots

The breadth and depth of good works accomplished by general aviation will be in the spotlight at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009, as a weeklong "Fly for Life" program will recognize those who fly to serve others around the world.

EAA says the Fly for Life program will both highlight public-benefit aviation activities and mission-based flight operations, with EAA working with the Air Care Alliance and the International Association of Missionary Aviation, among others, that represent more than 200 organizations. Activities will include a major display adjacent to EAA AirVenture's showcase AeroShell Square, aircraft displays, numerous forums and presentations, an evening program, and other events.

"There are so many ways that general aviation serves people around the world - even people who don't have a direct involvement with flying," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture chairman. "Aviation is used to meet basic human needs and bring hope in so many ways, including medical and dental missions to remote regions of the world, famine relief, and a wide range of other humanitarian projects. We are looking forward to recognizing those people and organizations during EAA AirVenture 2009."

Many humanitarian organizations have been longtime participants at EAA AirVenture through individual exhibit areas and presentations. The Fly for Life program marks the first time all these public-benefit and mission flight organizations have come together to highlight the ways that general aviation serves people worldwide.

"There is an incredible story to tell of the hundreds of airplanes and thousands of dedicated people, including many, many EAA members, who generously devote themselves to using their flying abilities to make our world a better place," said former EAA vice president Bob Warner, who is serving as the program's volunteer chairman. "It may be a flight that carries relief supplies to a disaster-stricken area, or flies transplant organs to waiting recipients, or supports faith-based missions.

"This is a story that we want to share not only with the aviation community at EAA AirVenture, but to the public that does not always understand the depth of aviation's contribution to our world."

Warner said the program welcomes those engaged in humanitarian, public-benefit and mission aviation efforts to participate in the weeklong activities. (Those groups interested in participating may contact Bob Warner at bob@aviationlifestyle.com). The exact schedule of activities will be announced as it is finalized.

The 57th annual EAA convention will be held July 27-August 2, 2009, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

FMI: www.airventure.org