Local Events
Here is a streamlined summary for the EAA & Local Events page, highlighting upcoming regional gatherings, national EAA convention highlights, museum updates, and Sport Aviation Hall of Fame inductees.
Upcoming Events, National Highlights & Heritage
Explore regional gatherings, EAA convention updates, facility expansions across the aviation community, and honors celebrating leaders in our aviation culture.
Local & Regional Aviation Events
* EAA Chapter 534 Fly-In / Drive-In Pancake Breakfast:
* Located at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE), Hangar at 8807 Airport Blvd, Leesburg, FL. A great opportunity to connect with neighboring chapters and celebrate community aviation. Contact Mike Hage ([mikehage@gmail.com](mailto:mikehage@gmail.com)) for details.
National EAA & Industry News
* EAA AirVenture – Vertical Lift Center:
* *Overview:* Highlighting the growing rotorcraft and VTOL sector at Oshkosh. Developed in partnership with Robinson Helicopter Company and Vertical Aviation International (VAI) within Aviation Gateway Park, this dedicated area showcases traditional helicopters alongside emerging vertical flight technology, career pathways, and educational exhibits.
* Piper Aviation Museum 40th Season & Expansion:
* *Overview:* Marking its 40th season at William T. Piper Memorial Airport in Lock Haven, PA, the museum announced a major 9,600-square-foot expansion to accommodate increased visitor traffic, house additional aircraft (including a prototype PiperJet), and expand K-12 educational programming.
* Eagle Hangar Display Update:
* *Overview:* Features a new video presentation titled *"Black Monday: The Eighth Air Force's 250th Combat Mission,"* now open to visitors at the EAA Aviation Museum.
EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame Honorees
Recognizing outstanding contributions and lifelong dedication across the general aviation community:
* Homebuilders: Vic Syracuse – 12-time aircraft builder, designated airworthiness representative, EAA technical counselor/flight advisor, and prolific contributor to *Kitplanes* and *EAA Sport Aviation*.
* International Aerobatic Club: Rob Holland (Posthumous) – Legendary air show pilot, 6-time world Freestyle champion, and multi-medal aerobatic icon.
* EAA Warbirds of America: Darrel Berry (Posthumous) – Vintage military aircraft restorer and lead pilot known for his work with the T-34 Association and iconic TBM Avenger.
* Vintage Aircraft Association: Mark Holliday – Renowned restorer and air show pilot celebrated for his extensive work preserving classic aircraft like the Swift and Meyers 200D.
* EAA Ultralights: Dave Cronk – Designer and pioneer behind the Quicksilver ultralight series and rigid-wing hang-gliders, whose innovations shaped modern light-sport and ultralight construction.
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Aviation News, Safety Seminars & General Aviation Updates
Explore regional safety events, national general aviation developments, pilot resources, and updates supporting the local flying community.
Local & Regional Aviation Events
* FAASTeam Safety Seminar:
* Hosted at Daytona Beach International Airport (Dennis R. McGee Room). Featuring an open forum discussion with airport managers and air traffic controllers from Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Spruce Creek, and Flagler/Palm Coast airports. Open free to the public.
National & State Aviation Updates
* AOPA Bylaw Modernization:
* AOPA members unanimously approved the most significant updates to the organization's governance and bylaws since its founding.
* Florida "Support General Aviation" Specialty License Plate:
* A statewide initiative to fund future aviation scholarships managed through the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE). Floridians can purchase presale vouchers online via FLHSMV.gov to help move the specialty plate into full production.
* Garmin Aviation Webinars:
* Regular educational sessions, including getting started guides for the Garmin Pilot app.
Pilot Resources & Safety Guides
* Understanding Rotorcraft Downwash:
* Safety insights and articles highlighting operational considerations when flying around heavy rotorcraft activity at local airparks and community airports.
* Spire ADS-B Network Insights:
* Educational resources breaking down ADS-B In and ADS-B Out technology utilizing space-based satellite tracking networks.
* Building an Airplane Emergency Kit:
* A practical general aviation guide covering essential survival gear, including compact water purification systems, nonperishable nutrition, multi-tools, weather protection, lighting, and signaling tools tailored for private aircraft operations.
