E is for What? 

    In the last issue I went on a rant about how some unrepentant dogs wanted to change the name of the EAA to the “Sport Aircraft Association”  (SAA).  These were people who thought that the term ‘experimental’ sounded a bit too dangerous and lacked appeal for the broader audience (and their money) that the EAA would like to attract.

     Well, I’m not privy to the internal workings of the EAA but in an odd turn of events Paul Poberezny, founder of the EAA, has formed a new organization for those feeling a bit alienated by the direction the EAA has taken.  Oddly enough, it is named Sport Aviation Association and is oriented toward those more interested in grass-roots homebuilding instead of Warbirds, mega-buck play-toys and the other  gee-whiz stuff  the EAA has been peddling lately. 

    You would think these two groups would just swap names and everybody would be happy, but I’m sure the marketing guys at headquarters (I think that’s all of them now) know just how much ‘brand recognition’ is associated with EAA and aren’t about to let the name go.  My guess is that they will quietly let the words behind the letters just fade away until nobody remembers what they stand for.  Try finding any reference to the word ‘experimental’ or information on aircraft design on EAA’s website.  On the homepage, they now refer to themselves as “The Leader in Recreational Aviation.” 

   I hope Paul’s effort is sincere and not just a ploy to keep us mal-contents quiet.  In any case, it’s worth checking out.  Visit their website at www.sportaviation.org and sign up.  There is no cost (for now) and at least it will let them know we are out here.

   There is a lot to write about this issue, so I’ll cut this diatribe short and get on with the stuff that really matters.