Valuable Feedback Makes This My Best AirVenture
EAA AirVenture 2012, by far, was one of the best conventions that I have ever had. It was fantastic to get to meet so many EAA chapter members and leaders during the week, and to be able to hear your suggestions and feedback was extremely valuable. Read more

• Chapters Present Major Achievement Awards
• Extraordinary Volunteers Honored by Young Eagles
• EAA Launches Eagle Flights
• Chapter 75 Celebrates 50 Years of Emergency Repairs at AirVenture

Pilot's Bill of Rights Signed Into Law
The nation's aviators received expanded due process protection last Friday as President Obama signed the Pilot's Bill of Rights, which passed Congress the previous week. We are very pleased for all aviators now that this legislation has been signed into law, safeguarding the rights of those who fly and improving information availability in a number of areas. We appreciate all the efforts by those in Congress and elsewhere to make this a reality. The measure, originally sponsored by Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), passed the U.S House of Representatives on July 23, the opening day of EAA AirVenture. EAA and AOPA helped craft the issues that became key provisions of the bill and also gathered bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for the measure.

AirVenture a Safe, Successful Event
The 60th annual EAA AirVenture fly-in completed its seven-day run on July 29, and we are pleased that it was foremost a safe event. Total attendance surpassed a half-million once again, despite some challenges from the heat, some storms, and the struggles within the economy. Showplane totals were up in many areas, notably in the Homebuilt and Vintage areas. More than 800 companies exhibited at Oshkosh this year, including pavilions with aviation businesses from France, New Zealand, and the Czech Republic.

First Eagle Flight Completed
On July 24, I flew the inaugural flight of EAA's new Eagle Flights program, which will offer demonstration flights and mentoring for adults who have always wanted to learn to fly. My passenger was Dr. Diane Thornton, the national director of the Boy Scouts of America's Learning for Life organization that oversees the Aviation Exploring program. Eagle Flights is an important addition to EAA's activities, as involving more people in aviation is critical to ensure that the freedom of flight and its possibilities are available in the future.

New Feedback E-mail for EAA Established
At the annual EAA meeting, I told attending members that we have created a new e-mail address to questions and concerns from members, AirVenture attendees, and others. That address is feedback@eaa.org. That address will provide a single source to comment on EAA and its activities, although individual departments will certainly continue to receive inquiries. EAA Founder Paul Poberezny also spoke to the members who attended the annual meeting and received a standing ovation for the 60 years of leadership he and his wife, Audrey, have provided.

Does Your Chapter Have a Brochure?
During one of the chapter leader workshops at AirVenture, Darlene Ford, board member with Chapter 9 (Columbus, Ohio), mentioned the brochure that she designed. She graciously sent us a sample to share with other chapters. This is an excellent idea to promote your chapter and grow membership. View the brochure

Next issue of ChapterGram will be delivered on Tuesday, August 21.