Tom Poberezny, EAA Lifetime 40000, left a tremendous aviation legacy with his achievements as an aerobatic pilot and his lifetime dedication to the growth of EAA.
Tom served for 34 years as chairman of the annual Oshkosh fly-in and convention (now called AirVenture) as it doubled in size and became widely recognized as the world’s premier aviation event. In the early 1980s, Tom led the campaign to build the EAA museum and its many world-class exhibits. As EAA president from 1989 to 2010, Tom nurtured the organization’s unique culture of participation and grew its mission in countless ways. Perhaps most notable was the creation of the Young Eagles program, with its mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation and 30 years later it has flown more than 2.3 million youths. He also oversaw the development of the EAA Air Academy and KidVenture.
In addition to his contributions to EAA, Tom was an accomplished pilot. He was part of the U.S. team that won the 1972 World Aerobatic Team Championship, followed by his individual U.S. National Unlimited Aerobatic Championship in 1973. His association with fellow American team members Charlie Hillard and Gene Soucy led to the formation of the Red Devils Aerobatic Team and later the Eagles Aerobatic Team, where for a quarter-century they were among the world’s finest civilian aerobatic performers before retiring the team in 1995.
A scholarship has been established within the EAA Aviation Foundation to recognize Tom’s impact and help a new generation of aviation enthusiasts pursue their aviation goals. Contributions will extend the legacy of Tom Poberezny, who was dedicated to the world of flight and inspiring people of all ages to be a part of it.
EAA Aviation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization (39-1033301). Donations to the EAA Aviation Foundation are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
