EAAger to Join an Aviation Community? Consider joining the EAA!

Why pursue a passion alone when you can share it and create an international organization with over two hundred fifty thousand members? That’s the question Paul Poberezny probably wasn’t asking himself but ended up answering anyway - and we’re sure glad he did. A little background information: Mr. Poberezny started the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in 1953 by bringing a small group of aviation lovers together, intending to share his passion with a community of equally passionate aviators. What started as a small club quickly took off and became a hugely successful organization focused on flying, building, and restoring recreational aircraft.?

With a global reach, the EAA has become deeply embedded in the Williamsburg aviation community. Running under Chapter 156 and headed by Chuck Curtis*, EAA-156 has built an intricate relationship with the community and JGG. EAA-156 meets at JGG (100 Marclay Dr, Williamsburg VA) every third Tuesday at 7:30 PM, and we’ve hosted many of their incredible events! Additionally, they’re involved in several of our events, for example: they always assist in our monthly Fly-In Breakfasts that benefit WASP (Williamsburg Aviation Scholarship Program). Beyond meetings and events, their subgroups have worked tirelessly to bring aviation to community members and aviators alike!?

One subgroup of EAA close to our hearts at JGG is the Young Eagles. Members inspire students aged 8-17 by taking them on their first FREE flight! If you’re interested in going on a Young Eagles flight, the EAA will be doing them at the October Pancake Breakfast hosted at JGG! We’ve watched young people take their free flight from our terminal and return with a lifelong passion. Some of these young people become students at the Williamsburg Flight Center and go on to become exceptional certificated pilots. Other EAA members participate in Eagle Flights, an expanded version of the Young Eagles for adults 18+. Participants in Eagle Flights are matched with a flight mentor who will take them on a free flight and continue mentoring them on all things aviation! The best part? This program is ALSO FREE!!?

EAA members also get exclusive perks, one being technical counselors. Technical counselors are experienced aircraft builders, restorers, and mechanics whose goals are to help EAA members build their own planes and present a zero-defect airplane to the FAA when complete. Whether you’re new to aviation or are an expert flyer, the EAA has something to offer so join through this link today!

Maybe you’re passionate about aviation but want a community that focuses on women's empowerment. If that sounds like you, stay tuned for our next article about the 99s!??

Thanks for rEAAding ;)

Williamsburg Jamestown Airport

*Chuck Curtis Contact Info: 757-877-1803 | [email protected]

“EAA History.” EAA, www.eaa.org/eaa/about-eaa/eaa-history. Accessed 8 Sept. 2023.