This Sonerai II was just one of the many inexpensive aircraft displayed at the Affordable Flight Center at EAA AirVenture 2008.

It was an instant success, as people throughout the week streamed through the exhibit area, attended presentations, asked questions, and viewed the exhibit aircraft. This year, the emphasis on affordable flight expands inside the new Aviation Learning Center, formerly Exhibit Hangar E. The new location - just across the way from its original spot in the former NASA building - provides more overall space, a specially dedicated forum area, and both indoor and outdoor displays. The Aviation Learning Center is supported by Chevron Global Aviation and will also house the Fuels Education Center.

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. Like so much of what occurs at Oshkosh each year, the Affordable Flying Center's success depends on EAA members volunteering their time, their ideas, and their infectious enthusiasm.

"We're asking once again for EAA members to share their ideas and experiences on how they have made their involvement in aviation more affordable," said exhibit coordinator Ron Wagner. "If you would like to present a forum on something you are doing or have done to make flying more affordable, we would like to hear from you."

Also sought are EAA members who plan to bring their affordable flying example aircraft to AirVenture this year. "It could be an aircraft that you have built, bought, or flown in a way that made aviation more affordable for you," Wagner said. You can reach Ron at 888-322-4636, ext. 6122, 920-426-6122, or rwagner@eaa.org.