The Experimental Aircraft Association will deliver the excitement of flight throughout the United States in 2020 as EAA’s “Spirit of Aviation” mobile unit, sponsored by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), visits numerous events in 2020. The traveling experiential exhibit introduces EAA to enthusiasts through aviation activities for people of all ages.
“Over its first two years of nationwide tours, the Spirit of Aviation Mobile Experience welcomed tens of thousands of people who discovered the wonders of flight and the possibilities available through EAA,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of programs, publications, and marketing. “In 2020, we will continue to welcome people to discover more at aviation-themed events throughout the country, while also engaging those who are already aviators and EAA members with updated activities and all the opportunities EAA offers.”
The Spirit of Aviation mobile unit will be making at least seven appearances in six states during 2020. Local EAA chapters will be involved at each tour stop and EAA senior leadership team members will be hosting grassroots aviation sessions at each location. Upcoming visits throughout the year include (tour schedule subject to change without notice):
· April 17-18: Purdue University Aviation Day; West Lafayette, Indiana
· May 13-16: Joe Nall Fly-In; Woodruff, South Carolina
· May 29-30: AOPA Fly-In; San Marcos, Texas
· June 12-14: Chippewa Valley Air Show; Eau Claire, Wisconsin
· September 5-7: Lunken Airport Days; Cincinnati, Ohio
· September 11-12: AOPA Fly-In; Rochester, New York
· October 16-18: Fort Worth Alliance Air Show; Fort Worth, Texas
The 53-foot traveling exhibit is a rolling billboard for EAA, including graphics highlighting a Long-EZ homebuilt aircraft that represents EAA’s experimental aircraft roots. Visitors will be able to enjoy Redbird flight simulators, EAA’s Virtual Flight Academy, the NATCA air traffic control simulator, build-your-own Horizon Hobby gliders, and more. It also includes promotions for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the EAA Young Eagles program, as well as a general aviation aircraft on display.
“The Spirit of Aviation Mobile Experience is not only a place to introduce aviation to the public, it also will serve as a place to engage and strengthen our ties with current EAA members and chapters, as part of EAA’s mission to grow aviation participation by sharing The Spirit of Aviation,” said Charlie Becker, EAA’s director of chapters, communities and homebuilt community manager.
