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The AEA's first project, a glider, was the group's first experience with flying.
The EAA represents virtually the entire spectrum of recreational aviation.
The EAA holds a week long "Fly-in" every summer. It is the world's largest aviation event.
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Pilot, Aviation, and Aeronautical Organizations
As with almost any group, aviation and aeronautics professionals and hobbyists often join together to share their common interests. Membership or association with an organized group of professionals or hobbyists often yields a multitude of benefits—personal, professional and educational. Joining or simply investigating a club or special interest group may produce a new hobby, uncover information to augment a school project, provide guidance on an educational or career path, or simply discover fun facts and great photographs.
General aviation is particularly fortunate that its pilots, aircraft owners, and flying buffs alike are enthusiastic about their profession, vocation, or hobby and enjoy associating with other like-minded individuals. Furthermore, the technology and techniques of aviation are constantly evolving, so anyone serious about flying or aviation is likely to be determined to stay up-to-date about the latest developments in the field.
Probably the first such group, at least in the United States, was the Aerial Experiment Association, formed in 1907 by Alexander Graham Bell and including such well known aviators as Glenn Curtiss. The group designed, built, and flew several experimental aircraft, garnering a number of records in the process. When it met its objectives, the group disbanded.
Today, the largest and most influential organization in U.S. general aviation is the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), founded in 1939. More than half of the private pilots licensed in the United States are members of the AOPA, forming the largest general aviation advocacy association. The AOPA is also the sponsor of the Air Safety Foundation.
Founded in 1953 by Paul H. Poberezny, the Experimental Aircraft Association, now known simply as the EAA, has grown into a 170,000-member organization representing virtually the entire spectrum of recreational aviation. Open to all aviation enthusiasts, the EAA encourages general aviation, sport flying, homebuilt aircraft owners, antique civil and military aircraft restorers/operators as well as sponsoring the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). The EAA's primary mission, according to Flying Magazine, is “to get people into the air. It is flight, not what type of aircraft, that matters most.”
The most public, and enthusiastically awaited, example of that mission is the annual EAA Oshkosh Fly-In in Oshkosh, Wisconsin – the world's largest recreational aviation event. More than 750,000 aviation enthusiasts attend the Fly-In each summer, and with more than 12,000 aircraft participating during the week-long event, Oshkosh's Wittman Regional Airport becomes one of the world's busiest airfields, often handling more aircraft in a day than Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.
Another group that specializes in delighting both enthusiasts and the general public alike, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), was founded in 1951 with the purchase of a surplus Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. Today, the CAF operates a fleet of more than 140 vintage American World War II-era aircraft, known as “The Ghost Squadron,” that are viewed by more than 10 million spectators annually.
The 11,000-member strong CAF has hundreds of members who serve as pilots, flight crew, mechanics or aircraft maintenance personnel, dedicated to preserving America's military aviation heritage. Originally known as the "Confederate Air Force," a vote of the membership officially changed the organization's name in 2002 to the Commemorative Air Force.
For those interested or employed in the scientific or engineering aspects of aviation and spaceflight, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has been at the forefront of aerospace technology since its formation in 1963. Its mission statement is "to advance the arts, sciences, and technology of aeronautics and astronautics, and to promote the professionalism of those engaged in these pursuits." With more than 31,000 members, AIAA is the world's largest professional society devoted to the progress of engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense.
Hobby groups also have groups representing them. For instance, two such groups promoting aerobatics are the International Aerobatic Club, which is the world's largest sport aerobatic organization promoting and enhancing the safety and enjoyment of aerobatics. In Britain, the British Aerobatic Association is dedicated to competitive flying in the United Kingdom. This organization was founded in 1974 to represent the interests of all those concerned with aerobatic flying in powered aircraft or in gliders, by promoting and organizing all aspects of competition aerobatics in the United Kingdom, including training, conduct of pilots and others involved in aerobatic flying, furtherance of the sport, and arranging contests. Pilots who fly particular types of aircraft and those just interested in a type of plane often also have an affinity group, such as the Mooney Aircraft Pilots Association for Mooney planes and the American WACO Club, for those interested in WACO aircraft.
General aircraft manufacturers are well-represented by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA)—a national trade association representing over 50 American manufacturers of fixed-wing aircraft, engines, avionics, and components, founded in 1970. The GAMA serves as a representative and lobbyist for general aviation interests in dealings with Congress, the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation and other government agencies.
Professionals in various general aviation fields also have groups representing them. For instance, in the aerial firefighting field alone, these organizations include the Associated Airtanker Pilots, which was formed to promote the airtanker industry. Its primary goal is to provide a safe and efficient working environment. The Aerial Firefighting Industry Association is a consortium of 13 airtanker companies that provide aerial firefighting services to all regions of the United States during the peak fire season. It was incorporated in 1988 to advance the common interests and welfare of companies engaged in forest and wildland firefighting using airtankers. The International Helicopter Firefighters Association, which was established in the early 1960s, is a group of helicopter firefighters established to promote helicopter safety and the helicopter industry.
The following is a representative listing of professional and hobby organizations and clubs dealing with general aviation, pilots, and aeronautics. A much more extensive list of organizations can be found at http://www.landings.com—select “organizations.”
—Roger Guillemette
Pilot, Aviation and Aeronautical Organizations
Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association 421 Aviation Way
Air Racing Historians Society 168
Marion Lane
A relative newcomer to the aviation history field, the Air Racing Historians Society was formed in 1984 by a group of air racing enthusiasts who wanted to pool their efforts and knowledge with others, culminating in the first Air Racing History Symposium held in Cleveland, Ohio in May 1985. The Society became an official association shortly thereafter dedicated to preserve the complete and accurate records of air races, racepilots and raceplanes.
American Aviation Historical Society 2333 Otis Street Santa Ana, California 92704
The American Aviation Historical Society was founded in 1956 as a non-profit educational organization with the objective to preserve and disseminate the rich heritage of American aviation. The Society maintains an extensive collection of books, documents and photographs.
American Helicopter Society 217 North Washington Street
The American Helicopter Society (also known as The Vertical Flight Society) is a professional and technical society founded in 1943 for the purpose of advancing vertical flight and rotorcraft technology.
American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics 1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 500
Antique Airplane Association 22001
Bluegrass Road
“Keep the antiques flying” has been the stated goal of the Antique Airplane Association (AAA) since its founding in 1953. Open to all interested in antique and classic aircraft, the AAA has more than 20 active local chapters and sponsors the Airpower Museum and the APM Library of Flight.
Canadian Owners & Pilots Association 75 Albert Street
Founded in 1952, the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) has been dedicated to opening doors and removing barriers to the growth of aviation. The COPA raises the awareness of important issues facing the flying community, promotes air safety through education and works to lower the cost of flying.
Commemorative Air Force PO Box 62000 Midland, Texas 79711 http://www.confederateairforce.org
Experimental Aircraft Association PO Box 3086
General Aviation Manufacturers Association 1400 K Street, NW; Suite 801 Washington, DC 20005 http://www.generalaviation.org
Mooney Aircraft Pilots Association. 140 Heimer Rd., Suite 560 San Antonio, TX 78232
National Business Aviation Association 1200 18th Street NW; Suite 200
The National Business Aviation Association has been the trade organization and advocacy group for business and corporate aviation interests since its founding in 1947. The NBAA represents the interests of nearly 7,000 companies that own or operate general aviation aircraft or are involved with some other aspect of business aviation.
The Ninety-Nines (International Women Pilots) PO Box 59965 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73159
Founded in 1929 by a group of pioneering women pilots, including Amelia Earhart (who became the club's first president), the Ninety-Nines were organized for mutual support among female pilots and the advancement of flight. Its unique name was derived from the original number of charter members (99 in all).
Seaplane Pilots Association 421 Aviation Way
The Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA) was formed in 1972 to represent seaplane pilots in regulatory matters at the local, state and federal government levels. The SPA offers membership to all those enthusiastic about the unique combination of flying and boating.
Soaring Society of America PO Box E
The 16,000-member Soaring Society of America was organized in 1932 to foster and promote all phases of soaring and quiet flight, both nationally and internationally.
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