John Salz
John Salz, Chapter President of EAA Chapter 770, has been deeply connected to aviation since childhood, growing up in Streator, Illinois. His passion for flying was sparked by his oldest brother, who began flying during the Vietnam era. John's first flight in a Cessna 150 at the age of 8 or 9 set the stage for a lifelong love of aviation. By the age of 15, after a few lessons in the same aircraft, he knew he wanted to become a pilot.
Determined to achieve his goal, John worked a full-time job and spent every spare hour at the airport pumping gas, washing windshields, and helping maintain planes. His dedication paid off when he soloed on April 2, 1972—a milestone that marked the beginning of his flying journey.
John is a Lifetime EAA member, a distinction that reflects his unwavering commitment to the aviation community. He was also a member of the Flying 20 club for about five years before purchasing his gyroplane and flying under Light Sport rules. The advent of BasicMed later allowed him to transition to flying his Citabria and Cardinal, further expanding his aviation pursuits.
Today, John holds a Private Pilot Certificate with Single-Engine Land and Rotorcraft/Gyroplane ratings and aspires to add a glider rating to become a glider tow pilot. He is involved in owning or partnering in several aircraft, including a Xenon gyroplane, Citabria, and Cardinal, and is assisting with the build of an ABEC Zenith CH-650.
After a remarkable 47-year career with Xerox Corporation, John retired but never stopped learning. He remains actively involved in maintaining various aircraft in the Springfield area alongside Paul, the chapter’s Technical Counselor. John joined EAA in 2006 to reconnect with flying and meet local pilots, quickly immersing himself in the aviation community.
In 2012, following the passing of former chapter president Ron Anderson, John stepped into the role of president. He has since attended multiple Leadership Academy sessions in Oshkosh and has been instrumental in fostering the “Spirit of Aviation” within the chapter. John’s dedication extends to the Illinois Pilots Association, where he served both locally and at the state level, and to AOPA, of which he has been a member since 1974.
One of John’s proudest accomplishments is flying over 200 Young Eagles missions, introducing countless youth to the joys of aviation. Seeing the success of many of those Young Eagles in aviation fuels his passion, and every flight brings a smile as big as the kids’—a testament to his love for inspiring the next generation.
John’s contributions to EAA extend beyond his chapter. He played a role in restoring EAA’s B-25 Berlin Express and has served as a Tour Coordinator for the B-17, B-25, and Ford Tri-Motor crews. Watching passengers disembark with wide smiles brings him nearly as much joy as flying the aircraft himself.
Under John’s leadership, EAA Chapter 770 continues to thrive, with a strong focus on community, mentorship, and fostering a love for aviation. His commitment to helping others fulfill their dreams—whether flying, building, maintaining, or simply enjoying aviation—is a cornerstone of his legacy.
