News, Views & Classifieds: 2012

PAUL POBEREZNY
Founder, Experimental Aircraft Association

Paul H. Poberezny is one of the most decorated men in the international aviation community, having received literally hundreds of trophies, awards and honors for his countless contributions to the world of flight. He is a 1999 inductee to the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio, America’s place of honor for its most legendary aviators, and in 2002, received the prestigious Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy from the National Aeronautic Association. Paul is best known, however, as founder of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), which has often been described as the world’s most dynamic aviation organization. Each year, EAA’s international Fly‐In Convention, named “EAA AirVenture,” draws more than 500,000 people and 10,000 airplanes to Oshkosh, Wis., for one of the world’s premier aviation events.

Paul organized the first Fly‐In in 1953, the same year he founded EAA with a handful of other aviation enthusiasts in Milwaukee, Wis. From the basement of his Hales Corners (Wis.) home, Paul and his wife, Audrey, nurtured the small group and watched it grow each year. Paul toured the U.S. and other nations on behalf of EAA, spreading a “grass roots” aviation message far and wide. He made frequent trips to Washington, D.C., to speak to Congressional leaders and federal aviation authorities, where he defended the rights of amateur aircraft builders and sport aviation enthusiasts while earning his livelihood as a military pilot and aircraft maintenance officer. Today, Paul is considered one of aviation’s leading spokesmen here in the United States and around the world, representing the interests of more than 170,000 active EAA members at local, national and international events.

The career of Paul Poberezny includes nearly 30 years of distinguished military service as a pilot, test pilot and a veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict. Prior to retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Paul became the only man in the armed forces to attain all seven aviation wings the military had to offer. Paul was able to accomplish this feat without ever having the benefit of military aviation training, a truly remarkable achievement in itself.

As a youngster, Paul built model airplanes from scratch. By the time he was 16, he had restored a battered Waco glider and taught himself how to fly. He has been in love with airplanes his entire life, although he has often remarked, “I’ve learned more about people through my association with aviation than I ever did about airplanes.” In all, Paul has logged more than 30,000 hours of flight time over more than 70 years of flying. He has piloted nearly 500 different types of aircraft, including more than 170 amateur‐built airplanes. He has also designed and built more than 15 different airplanes and is currently working on a number of separate airplane projects in his private workshop. Paul also served as Publisher/Editor of EAA’s publications, including five monthly magazines and numerous technical manuals and research papers, for 34 years. The memoirs of his early years, titled "Poberezny…The Story Begins", were published in 1996 and chronicles Paul’s background and dedication to aviation.

Admired for his leadership and ability, Paul has served on the Board of Directors of many local, regional,national and international organizations. He is, without question, one of the foremost visionaries and innovators in the world of aviation today.

MORE ABOUT PAUL POBEREZNY

Paul Poberezny saw something more in an airplane than a fuselage, wings and a propeller when he founded the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in the basement of his Hales Corners, Wis., home in 1953. He looked at an airplane in flight and realized it captured the inherent right of every man and woman to fulfill their great hopes and dreams...and to realize their full potential as they reached toward the sky. Paul had a vision of personal freedom that is so beautifully symbolized in aviation’s rich heritage. It was a vision that captured the essence of the freedom made possible by flight.

Paul was born on September 14, 1921, to Peter and Jettie Poberezny, who instilled in their son a respect for other people and a passion for the family’s Ukrainian (Peter) and Irish/Dutch (Jettie) heritage. That passion soon manifested itself in an undying love for airplanes and an unquenchable thirst for aviation knowledge.

To understand Paul’s life‐long devotion to aviation, one needs only to understand his motivation. Quite simply, Paul has been in love with aircraft since he was able to say the word “airplane.” As a young child, he built model airplanes, quite often from scratch. By the time he reached high school, Paul was ready for even greater challenges. Mr. Homer Tangney, Paul’s high school history teacher, encouraged Paul’s interest in aviation by giving him a battered Waco primary glider. Soon after, Paul had the glider completely restored and taught himself how to fly it. At the age of 16, Paul flew for the first time. Over the course of the next year,Paul went aloft in the glider more than 2,000 times. By the time he reached 17, Paul was ready for powered flight and soloed in a 1935 five‐cylinder (70 HP) Porterfield. He hasn’t looked back since.

Peter Poberezny recognized his son’s love for aviation and soon had saved up $250 — a large sum of money at that time — to buy Paul his first airplane, a 1928 American Eagle powered by a World War I OX‐5 engine. Since that time, Paul has logged more than 30,000 hours of flight time in just about every imaginable aircraft, from “homebuilts” to military jet fighters, transports, bombers and air refueling tankers. His distinguished military career spanned almost 30 years, during which time he was a pilot, test pilot and combat veteran. Having attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Paul retired from active duty in 1970 to devote his full‐time energies to the growing responsibilities of EAA.

Before retiring, Paul became the only person to have received all seven aviation wings the military had to offer — glider pilot,service pilot, rated pilot, liaison pilot, senior pilot, Army aviator and command pilot.

At last count, Paul Poberezny had flown nearly 500 different types of aircraft, including more than 170 amateur‐built (homebuilt) airplanes. These include some of the famous military aircraft in our nation’s history...Bell P‐39 “Airacobra,” Curtiss P‐40 “Warhawk,” Republic P‐47 “Thunderbolt,” Vought F4U “Corsair,” North American P‐51 “Mustang” and the North American P‐64, to name a few. He has also flown in the left seat of the Boeing B‐17 “Flying Fortress,” the Curtiss C‐46 “Commando” and numerous other airplanes from the military inventory.

In addition, Paul has designed 15 airplanes, including the “new” Baby Ace, a high‐wing, single place, open cockpit aircraft and Super Ace; the low‐wing, single place Pober Sport; the Volkswagen‐powered Pober Pixie; the two‐place Pober Jr. Ace; the single‐place, aerobatic Acro Sport biplane; and two Acro Sport IIs, among others. He is also working on a variety of building projects in his personal workshop.

A man of limitless energy, Paul is best known as the Founder and guiding light of EAA and as well as one of the world’s largest and most significant aviation events — the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Originally organized by Paul at Curtiss‐Wright (now Timmerman) Field in Milwaukee, Wis., for a small group of home‐building enthusiasts in 1953, the Convention grew into such a success that it first moved to Rockford, Ill.,before moving to its permanent site to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis., in 1970. The seven‐day event now attracts an attendance of more than 500,000 as well as 10,000 airplanes to Oshkosh. The economic impact of that one week alone for the state of Wisconsin exceeds $80 million, much of it within 25 miles of Oshkosh.

While it has grown tremendously over the past 50 years, EAA has retained an intimate, “family oriented” atmosphere that is a tribute to Paul’s leadership and guidance. EAA’s active membership exceeds 170,000 with 105 countries represented. EAA members are proud to reflect Paul’s positive, “can‐do” attitude in approaching the many challenges faced by the international aviation community in the months and years ahead.

Paul, a member of the exclusive Society of Experimental Test Pilots, has received literally hundreds of awards and honors over the years. In July 1999, he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio, joining just luminaries as Charles Lindbergh, Jimmy Doolittle and the Wright Brothers. Some of the other honors include the “Frank G. Brewer Trophy” (the nation’s highest award for contributions to aviation and space education); the National Aeronautic Association’s Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy; the Lindbergh “Eagle Award” for his “stunning accomplishments in aviation”; the Federation Aeronautique Internationale’s “Gold Air Medal”; NASA’s “Distinguished Service Medal”; the Federal Aviation Administration’s “Award for Extraordinary Service”;and the first‐ever “Billy Mitchell Award for Aviation Achievement” in 1956, as examples.

He was selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to receive a special award for “Outstanding Public Service to Transportation and Historic Preservation” in recognition of his ‘lifelong commitment to domestic and international aviation” and “preservation of historic aviation resources and heritage.”

Paul married his high school sweetheart – Audrey Louise Ruesch – on May 28, 1944 in Helena, Ark.,where he was serving in the Army Air Corps as a Flight Instructor. Today, Paul and Audrey live in Oshkosh just a short distance away from the EAA Aviation Center.

8/2010

MAJOR AWARDS PRESENTED TO PAUL H. POBEREZNY

The following list is a representative sample of the honors and awards bestowed upon EAA Founder Paul H. Poberezny.

First‐ever Billy Mitchell Award for Aviation Achievement — 1956
National Pilots Association “Pilot of the Year” Award for Outstanding Contribution to Aviation as President of the Experimental Aircraft Association — 1966
Wisconsin Air Force Association Award — 1966
Wisconsin Governor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sport Aviation and Education in Related Fields — 1967
Wisconsin Civil Air Patrol Hall of Fame — 1967
Departments of Army and Air Force National Guardsman Award — 1971
Federal Aviation Administration Award for Extraordinary Service — 1972
Alpha Eta Rho Award for Outstanding Contribution to an Understanding of the Effects of Aviation and its Development Upon the World — 1972
Recipient of the Paul Tissandier Diploma from Federation Aeronautique Internationale, Paris — 1974
Recipient of the Lawrence P. Sharples Award from Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association — 1974
Wisconsin Aviation Award — 1977
Inducted into the Society of Experimental Test Pilots — 1978
Inducted into the OX‐5 Aviation Pioneers Hall of Fame — 1978
Frank G. Brewer Trophy “for significant contributions of enduring value to aerospace education in the United States,” sponsored by the American Society for Aerospace Education and awarded by National Aeronautic Association — 1979
Air Show Industry Award for Excellence — 1981
Federation Aeronautique Internationale Gold Air Award — 1983
NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal for “outstanding contributions to aviation” — 1983
Elected President of the Commission Internationale des Aeronefs des Construction Amateur Committee (CIACA) — 1984
Unanimously re‐elected President of CIACA — 1985, 1986, 1987
Named Aviation’s “Man of the Year” by Civil Air Patrol — 1985
Awarded Lindbergh’s Eagle Award in Recognition of his “Stunning Accomplishments with EAA over the years,” presented by the Lindbergh Fund — 1987
National Aeronautic Association’s Elder Statesman of Aviation Award “for a multitude of skills — pilot,educator, aircraft, aircraft designer and builder, administrator, publisher, writer, speaker, air show performer,and coordinator of the world’s largest aviation event” — 1987
Inducted into the Wisconsin Air National Guard Hall of Fame — 1988
Selected by DOT to receive its biennial award for “Outstanding Public Service to Transportation and Historic Preservation” — 1989
Honorary Doctor of Engineering Degree from Milwaukee School of Engineering — 1989
First‐ever Charles A. Lindbergh Award for “lifetime contributions to aviation” from US Department of Transportation Secretary Samuel Skinner — 1990
Lloyd P. Nolen Lifetime Achievement in Aviation Award for “significant impact on aviation and (promoting)aviation to the citizens of the world” — 1990
General Aviation News and Flyer “Aviation’s Most Influential Person in the 1980s” Readership Poll — 1990
Honorary Doctor of Science Degree from St. Louis University — 1991
American Volunteer Group (AVG) “Flying Tiger” Pilot Award — 1991
World War I Aviation Historical Hall of Fame — 1992
EAA Homebuilders’ Hall of Fame — 1994
Sport Aviation “Man of the Century” from National Biplane Association — 1995 Warbirds of America Hall of Fame — 1995
National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) National Award of Excellence — 1997
Inducted into National Aviation Hall of Fame — 1999
Meritorious Service to Aviation Award, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) — 2001
Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, National Aeronautic Association — 2002
Member of “100 Aviation Heroes” (with son Tom Poberezny) of first 100 years of powered flight, First Flight Centennial Foundation — 2003
Honorary doctorate degree from University of Wisconsin‐Oshkosh — 2004
“Wisconsin History Maker” Award from Wisconsin Historical Society — 2008

OTHER AWARDS PRESENTED TO PAUL H. POBEREZNY

Military Pilot Wings awarded between 1942‐59: Glider Pilot, Service Pilot, Pilot, Liaison Pilot, Senior Pilot,Army Aviator, Command Pilot
EAA Chapter 6 (Atlanta, GA) Appreciation Award
Duane and Judy Cole Award to “outstanding individual who has contributed the most to sport aviation in the tradition of the Coles”
Colorado EAA Chapters recognition for “lifelong dedication to aviation”
National Aeronautic Association Certificate of Achievement “for more than three decades of inspired leadership which has advanced all facets of aviation both in the United States and abroad”
EAA Aviation Foundation Appreciation for donation of AT‐6D
Rotary Foundation of Rotary International “Paul Harris Fellow”
Delta Air Lines “Flying Colonel”
EAA Copperstate Chapters Appreciation Award for “devoted leadership”
Salt Lake EAA Award
EAA International Aerobatic Club Award
National Aeronautics Association Special Recognition for contributions to aviation
EAA Chapter 200 Special (Overland Park, KS) Recognition
Special Recognition from US Air Force Thunderbirds
Special Recognition from US Army Golden Knights
EAA Ultralight Chapter 26 (Arlington, WA)
Classic Jet Aircraft Association Special Commendation
EAA Antique/Classic Chapter 1 (Lakeland, FL) Appreciation Award
EAA Chapter 242 (Columbia, SC) 25th Anniversary Banquet Speaker
Sport Aircraft Association of Australia (New South Wales Division) Appreciation Award”
United Cerebral Palsy “Freedom to Grow” Award
Department of the Air Force Certificate of Ground and Flying Training Course — 1965
EAA Chapter 118 Appreciation Award — 1966
National Pilots Association “Pilot of the Year” Award — 1966
Wisconsin Air Force Association Aerospace Education Award — 1966
Reno National Air Races Board of Trustees “in appreciation for outstanding contributions” — 1967
Continental Motors/EAA Achievement Award — 1967
AMVets Post 60 “Civic Service Award” — 1968
EAA National Award for “outstanding contributions to American aerobatics” — 1969
Reno National Championship Air Races Special Appreciation Award — 1969
Aviation Distributors and Manufacturers Association Appreciation Award — 1970
Mid‐America Aerobatic Championships (Aurora, IL) Judge — 1970
Special Recognition from Navy Blue Angels — 1970
Departments of the Army and Air Force “National Guardsman” Award for “patriotic service to the National Guard” — 1971
Canadian Aerobatic Championships Appreciation Award — 1971
All American Aerobatic Competition Judge — 1971
Abbotsford International Air Show — 1972
Federal Aviation Administration “Extraordinary Service” Award for “significant contributions to aviation safety through the development of certification and operational procedures for homebuilt, antique and experimental aircraft” — 1974
EAA Chapter 140 Recognition — 1974
Dr. August Raspet Memorial Award for “advancements in the design of light aircraft” — 1974
Mechanix Illustrated “Special Trophy” commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Baby Ace (1955‐75) for the designer and construction of the airplane — 1975
Laurence P. Sharples Perpetual Award, for “unselfish devotion to general aviation and the unstinting service to people who fly” — 1975
US Aerobatic Club recognition “for outstanding leadership in the field of sport aviation” — 1975
Merced Antique Airplane Fly‐In Awards Dinner Speaker — 1975
Southern California Regional EAA Fly‐In Appreciation Award — 1975
EAA Warbirds of America “Leroy Penhall Memorial Award” as Outstanding Warbird Member — 1975
Flying Fellowship “Dr. Charles G. Beede” Award — 1975
Kiwanis Club of Oshkosh — 1976
Liberty Bell Award presented by Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo — 1977
Wyoming State Museum Award for piloting EAA “Spirit of St. Louis” replica — 1977
Wisconsin Council on Aeronautics “Aviation Award” — 1977
OX‐5 Pioneers Presidential Citation “for extraordinary efforts in the performance of special assignments” — 1977
Auckland, New Zealand Aero Club “Appreciation” Award — 1978
Society of Experimental Test Pilots Honorary Fellow — 1978
OX‐5 Club of America Aviation Hall of Fame Induction — 1978
Miami International Air Race Participant — 1979
University of Wisconsin‐Oshkosh Chancellor’s Award — 1979
EAA Chapter 439 (Iron Mountain, MI) Centennial Air Show Participant — 1979
University of Wisconsin‐Oshkosh Chancellor’s Medal — 1979
Special Recognition from Canadian Snowbirds military jet demonstration team — 1979
OX‐5 Aviation Pioneers, Maryland Wing, 25th Reunion recognition — 1980
Chicago Flight Instructors Association Honorary Member — 1980
Special Recognition for contributions to World Aerobatic Championships — 1980
Federal Aviation Administration Certificate of Recognition — 1980
Vandenberg Air Force Base Appreciation Award — 1981
EAA International Aerobatics Club Presidents Award — 1981
EAA Chapter 718 (Midwest City, Okla.) Appreciation Award — 1981
Virginia Department of Aviation Certificate of Recognition “for outstanding service, dedication and leadership in the development and advancement of aviation” — 1982
Flying Physicians Association “Airman of the Year” — 1982
State of Wisconsin Governor’s Proclamation “in tribute to an outstanding citizen of Wisconsin”— 1982
EAA Chapter 31 (Eugene, OR) Appreciation Award — 1982
EAA Iowa Council Award for “untiring efforts in making for a better aviation community” — 1982
Special Recognition from crew of Space Shuttle Columbia — 1982
East Central Ohio Pilots Association Appreciation Award — 1984
EAA Air Academy Charter Participant — 1984
United Cerebral Palsy Appreciation Award — 1984
Northwest Regional EAA Fly‐In “Special Appreciation” Award — 1985
EAA Chapter 815 (Mexico City) “Grand Aviator” Award — 1985
Civil Air Patrol “Man of the Year” Award — 1985
Honorary Membership in Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association — 1985
Comparative Aircraft Flight Efficiency Foundation in grateful acknowledgment “for work on the CAFE 400” air race — 1986
Association of Italian Ultralight Pilots — 1986
Federal Aviation Administration Certificate of Appointment as National Accident Prevention Counselor at Large — 1986
Special Recognition from Italian “Frecce Tricolori” military jet team — 1986
EAA Air Adventure Museum Docent Award — 1986
Lindbergh “Eagle” Award, by Charles A. Lindbergh Fund — 1987
Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame (Charter Inductee) — 1987
World War II Combat Glider Pilots’ “Michael J. Murphy Service Award” for “significant contributions and service” — 1987
Alaska Airmen’s Association Special Recognition — 1987
Federal Aviation Administration Award “for significant contributions to US air traffic control system” — 1987
EAA Chapter 563 (East Peoria, IL) Appreciation Award — 1987
State of Wisconsin Legislature Citation — 1987
Milwaukee School of Engineering President’s Medal — 1987
Society of Flight Test Engineers (St. Louis Chapter) Award — 1988
EAA Aviation Foundation recognition “in deep appreciation for the time and care you gave to the (Foundation’s) Boeing B‐17G” restoration — 1989
United Cerebral Palsy “President’s Major Achievement” Award — 1989
Air National Guard “Minute Man Award” — 1989
AOPA Air Safety Foundation “Presidential Award” for lifelong commitment and support of aviation and aviation safety” — 1989
EAA Copperstate Fly‐In “Most Honored Dude” Award — 1989
Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine “Laurels” Award — 1989
Wisconsin Council of Aeronautics “Wisconsin Aviation Award” — 1989
EAA Freedom of Flight Award, “in recognition of your contribution to aviation and our society” — 1990
Oshkosh West Booster Club Appreciation Award — 1990
University of North Dakota Sport Aircraft Manufacturers Association Seminar Participant — 1990
EAA Chapter 419 (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) Appreciation Award — 1990
Vintage Aero Club “Aviator of the Year” Award — 1991
Cloudbusters Model Club Life Achievement Award — 1992
EAA Chapter 154 (Regina, Sask., Canada) Achievement Award — 1992
Professional Pilot magazine Lifetime Achievement Award — 1992
Air Cadet League of Canada (in tribute to EAA’s 40th Anniversary and EAA’s contributions to the Royal Canadian Air Cadets) — 1993
Aviation Week and Space Technology “Laurel” (with Tom Poberezny) for continuing work on the Small Airplane Certification Compliance Program — 1993
Keynote speaker to Wings Club of New York — 1993
Member of Chairman’s Round Table, Museum of Flight, Seattle, Wash. — 1994
Special Presidential Citation from the EAA Warbirds of America — 1994
Milwaukee School of Engineering/EAA Distinguished Achievement in Engineering Award — 1995
Charter Member of Southeast Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame — 1995
San Diego International Aerospace Hall of Fame — 1996
International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Hall of Fame — 1997
Aero Club of Northern California “Crystal Eagle” Award — 1999
Sport Aviation Association of Australia (SAAA) achievement award — 1999
FAI Centennial “High Flyers” recognition — 2005
Honorary First Pitch at Wisconsin Timber Rattlers minor league baseball game — 2007
Oshkosh Convention Visitors Bureau “Tourism Partner Award” — 2009