Warbirds, IAC Elect New Presidents

August 6, 2020 – Two of EAA's special interest divisions elected new presidents, as Jim "Zack" Olzacki of Punta Gorda, Florida, has been elected president of EAA Warbirds of America, and Jim Bourke of Corvallis, Oregon, has been elected president of the International Aerobatic Club.

Olzacki succeeds Connie Bowlin, who served four years as Warbirds of America president, while Bourke succeeds Robert Armstrong, who served as IAC president since March 2018. EAA CEO and Chairman Jack J. Pelton thanked both Bowlin and Armstrong for their contributions, and expressed excitement about working with both Olzacki and Bourke going forward.

Olzacki's love of flying began when he earned his private pilot's certificate in 1983, followed by complex aircraft and tailwheel endorsements in 1984, and multiengine rating in 1986. He has worked in aviation museum management, and has flown with formation demonstration teams. Olzacki primarily flies a T-34B in the blue-and-white U.S. Navy recruiting paint scheme, but also has time in a T-6 and Stearman, among other aircraft.

He has served as Warbirds of America vice president and commander of EAA Florida Warbird Squadron 24. He and his wife, Lynn, who is also a pilot, reside in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Bourke is currently the second-ranked freestyle aerobatic pilot in the U.S. and sixth-ranked in the world. A member of the U.S. Aerobatic Team, he represented his country at the world aerobatic championships in 2017 and 2019. He flies a variety of aerobatic aircraft in competition and at select air shows throughout the nation.

Along with his flying activities, Bourke founded RCGroups.com, a website for enthusiasts of radio controlled aircraft, and is owner of Knife Edge Software, makers of flight simulation products including the RealFlight simulator. He also has served as a member of the IAC board of directors.