EAA Membership Seems Largely Satisfied With The Organization's Direction Post-Hightower

By John Ylinen

Wednesday morning at Air Venture, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) conducted their annual meeting at the Theater in the Woods. Over 100 members were in attendance. Jack Pelton, Chairman the Board presided over the agenda. Based on the contentious meeting last year, there was much anticipation on how this year’s meeting would play out. The major question seemed to be; could the EAA leadership get themselves out of the unintentional “VFR into IMC” conditions they’d entered?

The meeting started with the presentation of EAA highest award, the Freedom of Flight award for outstanding service, to John Monnett (President of Sonex Aircraft )for his leadership and contributions. John was recognized by a standing ovation during the presentation of the trophy.

Mr. Pelton then provided the members an overview of the last 12 months and reviewed the mission and priorities of EAA. He emphasized the mission of EAA as “To grow participation in aviation by sharing the spirit of aviation.” EAA is executing that mission through two major activities: 1) Inspiring new participation in aviation and 2) Enriching the participation in the experience. On the first activity, Mr. Pelton highlighted the new addition to AirVenture of the College Park on the grounds and the Career Fair for aviation careers. He said this was for much more than just pilots. On the second activity, Mr. Pelton focused on the priorities of Advocate and Affordability concerns. He said that based on the feedback from last year, the board focused on embracing the members and volunteers. He also said they implemented programs to provide more transparency in EAA operations and insure the financial viability of the organization. He directed members to the excellent article written by Dan Schwinn (EAA Governance Committee Chairman) in the July Sport Aviation Magazine. Mr. Pelton said the changes to the food and airshow variety were getting positive reviews so far.

Stuart Auerbach, Treasure of the Board provided a summary for the members on the financial health of the organization. The organization had a successful audit and the organization is on firm financial footing. He said not that the FAA demand for funding to provide ATC services was not a budgeted item. All the financial information on the EAA is clearly shown on their website for member review in accordance with the board’s desire for openness and transparency.

The election of 7 new Category One Directors was the next order of business. The process was accomplished according to the organizations articles.

The new Directors elected by the members were:

• Stuart Auerbach
• James Clark
• Eileen Drake
• Alan Klapmeier
• Phil Martineau
• Cody Welch
• Jim Phillips

The revision of the Articles of incorporation was overwhelming amended as articulated in the June Sport Aviation Magazine.

Mr. Pelton then opened the floor for questions and feedback. This was when we would see how the members were reacting to the change in leadership and the activities since last year.

One member commented that after last year, he was concerned that the organization was on the right track and how volunteers were treated was at risk. He was happy to report that it was a complete turn around and he was feeling the culture was coming back. He also thought the food changes were positive. One member commented that he recommended the board considered giving a volunteer a two day pass instead of one day so they could volunteer one day and then see the show on the second day. Other members commented that last year was an all-time low, but this year was back on track and to keep it up.

There were several members that commented on the FAA ATC fee extortion. All thanked the board for their actions and desired the board to keep fighting on all fronts to include the legal process.

One member commented that he was sorry the board cancelled the “Learn to Fly” center and replaced it with the Innovation Center. Of course another member thought the innovation center and its location was a very positive step and felt it was putting the Experimental back in the name of EAA. Mr. Pelton said the board would revisit the decision on the “Learn to Fly” center and see what could be done to get it back in the program and thanks the member for his leadership in running the center and his volunteering.

On a more humorous note, one member said the food changes were good, but he found an absence of donuts on the flight line a concern. All applauded and Mr. Pelton took a note.

There were many “thank yous” to the board for taking steps to reverse the direction of the organization from last year. Members knew it was not easy to remove Mr. Hightower. There were many calls for Mr. Pelton to stay on as acting President and the board to not pursue a replacement for Mr. Hightower. Mr. Pelton said the changes in the bylaws for the Chairman of the board position made it a 3 year term and he had no thoughts on leaving. Looks like the board has some serious discussions ahead and arm twisting to do. We wait to see what happens.

One of the newest members of the EAA addressed the group. He was also a controller. He said on behalf of the controllers that their focus was keeping us safe through the event. He said they didn’t like what was happening between the EAA and the FAA, but that all the controllers were happy to be here. His main point to the members was that while the EAA had a good program in the Young Eagles to attract young people to aviation, that while he was in college, he had never heard of EAA. If it had not been for a Chapter member mentoring he would never had known about EAA. Mr. Pelton took note and the members thank the controller for performing his ATC duties.

Another member noted that the EAA member support services had been helpful with an aeromedical issue, but when he called for help with Sport Pilot information, he did not think that EAA had adequate materials and training information to help CFIs wanting to mentor new sport pilots. One member and Chapter President discussed their program for young members and noted that over half of their chapter had members join before they had drivers’ licenses. He offered to discuss their programs with the board and Mr. Pelton quickly took him up on his offer.

The only woman member to address the group thanked Mr. Pelton for the increase of flush toilets. She also said can’t we just nominate you Mr. Pelton as president right here and now.

One member wanted to address the lack of a “Meet the Administrator” town hall and felt the absence of a town hall by FAA was a dereliction of duty of the office. Mr. Pelton told the members that Mr. Huerta had contacted him many months before about a scheduling conflict that affected his family. In his place; he is sending his deputy on Thursday for one day, but the FAA declined to attend a town hall.

The final comment was from an EAA Video volunteer. He recommended that EAA start a new program to have an Aviation Film festival and competition to promote aviation films to inspire. He recommended awards in many categories for both professional and amateurs. Mr. Pelton thought it had great merit and wanted to get more information to see how it could and should be implemented.

The meeting was adjourned. The tone and tenor of the meeting was in stark contrast to last year. The members seem to like the direction the board was moving and their willingness to aggressively address the member concerns. We hope this is the first of many more successes. Now we wait to see how AOPA navigates their leadership transition and address member concerns. We hope it goes as well.

FMI: www.eaa.org