Safety

A key component to giving wings is ensuring that future flyers not only have the resources necessary to help their dreams take flight, but also that they are doing so safely.

The EAA Information Services staff works with EAA members to promote safe practices in all aspects of aviation life. General Aviation Safety is an important topic for all EAA members and flight enthusiasts to be concerned with, whether you’re a general, recreational or sport pilot or passenger.

EAA staff provides members with access to aviation volunteer experts to answer questions and provide guidance in the following seven areas:

Homebuilt Aircraft

Since 1953, EAA has promoted and worked to preserve the privilege of EAA members to pursue the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of homebuilt aircraft.  The EAA General Aviation Division promotes safe practices and methodologies in selecting the aircraft design best suited for an individual’s abilities and skills. In addition, they aid in the construction, testing, operation and maintenance of homebuilt aircraft.

Paralleling their aviation safety priorities, EAA General Aviation Advocacy fosters a greater understanding of, and preserves the integrity of, the Majority Portion Rule, which is an essential and defining regulation that permits continued homebuilder activities. 

EAA SportAir Workshops

Building an aircraft can be one of the most satisfying and rewarding ventures of an aviation enthusiast’s life. At SportAir Workshops, EAA members provide instruction and testing for Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft (ELSA) owners to obtain their Repairman-Inspection certificate. To learn more about EAA’s SportAir Workshops, click here (link to Web site).

EAA Technical Counselors

Many times aircraft builders and repairpersons simply need guidance and answers to their questions. EAA Technical Counselors do just that, providing safety oversight in all methods of construction. They’re industry experts who have been there and done that a time or two.

EAA AirVenture Workshops and Forums

Homebuilding rests in the heart of the EAA General Aviation Safety programs.  At EAA AirVenture aviation enthusiasts can participate in one or a handful of the thousand workshops and forums, taught by over 500 presenters. In the workshops and forums participants can learn nearly every skill needed to build a safe and reliable airplane, as well as how to properly maintain it for years of enjoyable flights. 

These AirVenture programs not only cover how to safely conduct the initial test flights, but also the gamut of aircraft construction and maintenance tasks including:

  • sheet metal construction and riveting;
  • fabric covering;
  • building wood truss wing ribs;
  • oxyacetylene and TIG welding;
  • composite lay-up;
  • aircraft engine assembly; and
  • sheet metal forming.

Each workshop and forum is presented by EAA SportAir Instructors, EAA Technical Counselors, skilled volunteers and industry experts who lead participants through each critical step in developing the skills necessary to safely enjoy the world of flight. 

EAA Volunteer Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DARs)

These industry experts, who have constructed and operated amateur-built or light-sport aircraft for several years, provide safety oversight as they conduct the new aircraft’s final FAA certification inspection.

EAA Flight Advisors

EAA members who are test flight expertsprovideaircraft builders with technical advice regarding how to safely conduct new aircrafttest flights and compare the new aircraft’s flight characteristics with other aircraft. They also assist theowner in finding a similar aircraft to gain flight experience with prior to conducting the required new aircraft test flights.

EAA Ultralight programs

Since 1983 EAA has maintained programs that support Ultralight vehicle flying under FAR Part 103.  EAA's exemption for the use of two-place Ultralights for flight training has benefited tens of thousands who have safely learned the art of Ultralight flying.  The EAA Ultralight registration programs benefit EAA members and include:

  • vehicle,
  • student,
  • pilot,
  • instructor, and
  • examiner programs.

EAA, Ultralight industry partners and the FAA highly recommend voluntary participation in these programs.  Participation enhances safety for everyone involved in the sport of aviation and helps ensure the privileges of Part 103 will continue to benefit future Ultralight enthusiasts. 

Flight safety is the crucial base to giving wings and taking off. The EAA Information Services staff understands the importance of safety education and maintenance and strives to be the much-needed informant to EAA members and flight enthusiasts. With their help, the future of flight is guaranteed to be both exciting and safe. 

Learn More

To find out additional information about EAA General Aviation Safety programs visit EAA.org, or call 888-322-4636.