Just as the 2022 edition of EAA AirVenture kicked off on Monday, news spread that the man who spent his life growing it into what it is today had passed away.
Tom Poberezny, chairman emeritus of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), died Monday at the age of 75 after a brief illness.
The son of EAA founder Paul Poberezny, Tom Poberezny was first elected president of EAA in 1989. He assumed additional duties as EAA’s Chairman of the Board in February 2009, then retired as chairman of EAA and EAA AirVenture in August 2011, taking on the role of chairman emeritus.
He served as chairman of the annual EAA AirVenture Fly‐In Convention for more than 30 years. During that time, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, as it is now known, has grown to be the world’s largest annual general aviation event, attracting an attendance of more than 500,000 from 70 nations and 10,000 airplanes each year.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) called him “a driving force in general aviation for more than half a century.”
“Tom was a world-class aviator, leader and human being,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “General aviation was his life, and he was a passionate advocate on behalf of our entire industry and for making our aviation community better, stronger and more accessible.”
Poberezny led the 1992 formation of EAA’s Young Eagles program and helped drive the creation of the light sport aircraft (LSA) category and sport pilot certification.
Poberezny started fundraising in the 1970s to build EAA’s Aviation Center headquarters and museum at Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
“The vison he shared with his father is the reason why tens of thousands of aviation enthusiasts gather at AirVenture to celebrate all things aviation,” said Pete Bunce, President and CEO of General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). “He had a devout passion for the next generation of aviators and his passing, on the opening day of AirVenture 2022, reminds us all why we come together annually with common purpose to share our love for all things aerospace. This will be Tom’s lasting legacy.”
An accomplished pilot, Poberezny was a member of the U.S. National Unlimited Aerobatic Team that captured the World Championship in 1972. The following year, he won the U.S. National Unlimited Aerobatic Championship. His flying teams were annual favorites at AirVenture.
In 2002 and 2003, he played a pivotal leadership role in the national centennial celebration of flight as a member of the Centennial of Flight Commission, established by Congress.
“It is not lost on us that Tom’s passing occurred on the opening day of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the event he led into world prominence as its chairman beginning in the 1970s,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “Tom’s legacy is tremendous in the world of aviation with his personal achievements as well as the growth of EAA, especially the development of the current EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, the Young Eagles program, and the creation of Sport Pilot nearly 20 years ago. He will be greatly missed but more importantly, he will be remembered for all that he did for EAA and aviation. Our deep condolences and prayers go to Tom’s wife, Sharon, and his daughter, Lesley, and the rest of the Poberezny family.”
Memorial services are still being determined at this time. EAA is also planning a memorial and tribute to Poberezny during AirVenture 2022. More information will be announced as it is finalized.
Recent Comments