EAAs Lite Sport Aviation

March 16 - EAA's initial steps are under way to ignite interest in light-sport aviation -- a new category of flying, also called 'sport pilot,' that is making real flight possible in less time and at lower cost than ever before. EAA is launching its first Sport Pilot Tour, which brings to EAA members and the public the information and tools needed to seize and enjoy this recreational-aviation opportunity.

The Tour's first leg includes three stops this June: Marysville, California as part of EAA's Golden West Regional fly-in June 3-4; St. Louis, Missouri June 10-11; and Franklin, Pennsylvania, June 17-18.

"These are good sites for drawing in members from active EAA chapters in the surrounding regions," said Ron Wagner, EAA manager of field relations.

EAA's hallmark event, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2005 (July 25-31), will follow up with displays, exhibitions, experts, and resources acquainting thousands of aviation enthusiasts with the vast potential for fun through light-sport aviation.

"Having championed sport pilot for more than a decade before it finally became regulatory reality last summer, EAA is now leading the sport pilot revolution, working with government, industry, and the aviation community to build an infrastructure to support this new realm of personal flight," said Wagner, who has met and talked with thousands of aviation enthusiasts about sport pilot during the past year.

"We'll be showing our members, and some of their guests from the general public, that this is an exciting time for recreational aviation, which is rapidly moving to the fore as an affordable outdoor-adventure pastime."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has agreed to participate with EAA during these tour stops, presenting an FAA "Wings" safety program related to light-sport aviation. Other tour highlights include sport pilot forums, education for flight instructors, plus light-sport aircraft manufacturer's displays and demonstrations.

EAA, The Leader in Recreational Aviation, is an international association with 170,000 members and 1,000 local chapters. To join EAA or for more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.