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Rising fuel prices, maintenance expense,
hangar fees, the cost of an aircraft; pursuing a passion for aviation may
appear beyond reach for a lot of people. But EAA has always been about
finding a better way to do things primarily through pooling and sharing
knowledge and information. That's essentially what's behind an attraction
set to debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008, the Affordable Flying Center.
"The EAA Affordable Flying Center will
focus on ways our members can achieve and maintain their dream of flight,
even on a limited budget," said EAA's Ron Wagner, who is leading
efforts to organize the new feature attraction. "EAAers have lots of
creative ways to get the most bang for their aviation bucks, and the idea
is to collect and make them available to share with each other."
Located in the former NASA building (north
of the old control tower adjacent to the Honda Forums Plaza), the
Affordable Flight Center will feature a mini forum area, indoor displays,
and examples of Standard Category aircraft like the Taylorcraft, Piper
Colt/Tri-Pacer, etc., that can provide an economical pathway to flight.
EAA's staff of experts and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions
and provide information to those seeking a less expensive way to pursue
their aviation passion.
Some of the areas they'll be ready to
discuss include:
- Partnerships and flying clubs
- Owner-maintenance opportunities
- Plans-building, where the builder's time
and sweat equity substitute for money to create one of the most
cost-effective ways to own a low-cost aircraft.
- Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft and how
this growing category can help enthusiasts pursue their passion for
flight for less cost.
Wagner has put out the call to EAA members
who would like to share their story about innovative ways to affordably
own, build, buy, maintain, or fly an aircraft. He's also looking for
featured aircraft to display outside the Affordable Flying Center. If you
have something to contribute, or an aircraft to display, send an e-mail to
rwagner@eaa.org. (Please include your
contact information.) |
