Page 154 - EAA78.Newsletter.Archives.(February.2017-July.2021)

CHAPTER CHATTER, EAA Chapter 78 2

BRIEF HISTORY OF EAA

Pelton Takes EAA Message to Capitol Hill

February 9, 2017 - EAA CEO and Chairman Jack J. Pelton
spent several days in Washington, D.C., last week, meeting
Founded on January 26, 1953 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a
with lawmakers and aviation organizations to highlight the
local club for those who built and restored their own aircraft, top issues for EAA members and general aviation. These
the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) quickly grew to meetings are especially important as the new Congress
become a vibrant and growing aviation community that begins its work, with a number of matters that could greatly
includes all who enjoy flying for recreation and welcomes all
affect GA on the agenda.
aviation enthusiasts to participate.
Among the individual, meetings on Pelton’s schedule were
Today, EAA is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, as a ones with Sen. James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), an EAA
non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation (legal name: Experimental member and pilot who was a driving force behind the
Aircraft Association Inc.) that includes 200,000 members in passage of the aeromedical reform signed into law last July.
more than 100 countries.
In addition, Pelton met with Reps. Sam Graves (R-Missouri),
EAA’s mission is dedicated to growing participation in Todd Rokita (R-Indiana), and Ralph Abraham (R-Louisiana)
aviation. We strive to make aviation easier, more accessible, – all EAA members. Another meeting included time with
more rewarding, and more fun – igniting and nurturing Rep. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), who has a deep interest in
interest by embracing "The Spirit of Aviation" in all that we aviation issues given the importance of the aviation industry
do. EAA encourages and supports: in Kansas.

“These face-to-face meetings with key lawmakers, combined
 Clear pathways that ignite and nurture interest;
 A welcoming and supportive environment; with this week’s EAA/FAA winter summit in Oshkosh, are
 Opportunities to participate in all aspects of aviation; part of the important daily advocacy work in support of EAA
 Making aviation more accessible; members,” Pelton said. “There is no substitution for direct
 The camaraderie and community of aviators and conversations with congressional representatives and FAA
enthusiasts. policymakers on the issues that matter to general aviation.
We will carry that message to Washington to ensure that
GA’s voice is heard.”

Among the issues discussed are aeromedical reform, FAA
reauthorization, ATC privatization, and more. Pelton also

met with National Air Traffic Controllers Association

(NATCA) President Paul Rinaldi and his staff while in
Washington.