Solid Footing for Continued Growth
Jack J. Pelton EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board
The prior fiscal year’s annual report was a somber one focused on a year mired in the restrictions of a pandemic and the cancelation of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020. This year it is a report on the resilience of the association and its success in bouncing back and continuing to grow. It is a testament to our members, volunteers, and donors who all roared back with support for the association that was in line with the pre-pandemic years. Membership grew to 255,154, which we view as a proxy for support that we are delivering the types of programs, member value, and mission-based results that members expect. AirVenture, our convention and family reunion, returned in 2021. It was clear that it was missed more than anyone could have expected. Volunteers answered the call, ensuring it was run with their traditional caring touch and held to its usual high standards. It was close to being a record year and certainly would have been if travel restrictions for international members had been more lenient. Financially it helped rebuild our solid footing. I am grateful that our donor support remained strong. It enabled us to remain on schedule to open the EAA Education Center addition to our museum, known as Project 21, earlier this year. We were also able to stay the course on all of the other programs that are completely supported by donor contributions. This fiscal year rebuilt our financial position, restoring the stability, security, and solid foundation that we have worked so hard to build in the prior years. More importantly, with continued support and focus it will allow for sustained growth in the programs that are delivering results like Young Eagles and AeroEducate. As we close the books on this successful year, we’re excited to look ahead as there is so much more we can and will do. Next year will be even brighter. Sincerely,
Jack J. Pelton CEO/Chairman, Experimental Aircraft Association