The good works accomplished by general aviation will be in the spotlight at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009, as a week-long “Fly for Life” program will recognize those who fly to serve others around the world.
The 56th annual convention will be held July 27-Aug. 2, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
The Fly for Life program will highlight public-benefit aviation activities and mission-based flight operations. Activities 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.”
Many humanitarian organizations have been longtime participants at AirVenture through individual exhibit areas and presentations. The Fly for Life program marks the first time all these 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.”
For more information: EAA.org.
