A Challenge to Members to Share the Gift of EAA

My name is David Leiting, and I am EAA’s Manager of Membership Development. I recently moved into this role. However, for the past 4.5 years I was on the Chapters team. Since moving into this new role, one of my hopes was to work closely with the EAA Chapter network. Having seen the strength of the network, while also recognizing the support EAA HQ can provided, I knew there were plenty of opportunities. This article goes into detail about EAA’s new Legacy membership campaign, which encourages current members to gift an EAA membership to someone they know is deserving to carry aviation’s touch. My thought has always been that introducing a new member to EAA via a local chapter is the best way to show them what the EAA community is all about.

The past 10 months have flipped the world upside down for many of us, but they have also allowed us to spend more time focusing on our families and our passions. For all of us, the shared passion is aviation. It is what brought us together, and has been the one constant we can look to when the days get rough.

The flying club I am a member of shut down operations for 90 days as we evaluated how we could safely operate amongst the COVID-19 pandemic. It pained me to stay out of the cockpit for more than three months. This was the first time since I passed my private pilot check ride that I was out of my 90-day currency! Additionally, my local EAA chapter put all of our events on hold. Although we were able to conduct virtual gatherings and board meetings, it was-n’t the same as our usual in-person events.

This lack of aviation activity caused me to reflect on my passion for aviation, and remind myself how easy it is to take for granted the aviation opportunities afforded by EAA. Like many of you, much of what I use to fuel my passion for aviation has come from EAA. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, my Young Eagles flight, the relationships built through my local chapters, and the educational opportunities. Without EAA, I am not quite sure where I would find myself on my aviation journey.

One of the great pillars of EAA is the opportunity to give back, and pass the torch to future members. Perhaps you have given a Young Eagles flight that led to a career aviator, or lent a helping hand to a friend building their own aircraft. There is also a great chance that you have benefited from the generosity of a fellow EAAer. It is the lifeblood of our organization!

We all remember our mentor who introduced us to aviation and are forever grateful for the gift they gave us. That mentor may still be a close friend of yours within your EAA chapter. EAA is now asking you to join us in helping to preserve the legacy of EAA Founder Paul Poberezny, and of all our past and current members, by gifting an EAA membership to someone you feel will continue to carry on EAA’s mission within The Spirit of Aviation.

It is EAA members such as yourself that can bring aboard the next generation of members. Your involvement in your local chapter is even a greater reason to introduce them to EAA. Chapter members are the most engaged and passionate members you’ll find within EAA. There is no better group than a local chapter to welcome a newcomer to EAA.

Once you identify whom you’d like to sponsor, simply visit www.EAA.org/Legacy to register EAA’s newest member. After you gift this membership, invite the individual to your chapter, and show them the opportunities and community that exist in their own backyard. By gifting a membership and becoming a Legacy sponsor, you will receive a Legacy sponsor pin and patch.

EAA cannot thank you enough for your continued support of the organization, and especially of your local chapter. Chapters are the lifeblood of EAA, and without them the impact of EAA would be fraction of what it is today. Enjoy your holiday season, and we hope to see you in Oshkosh this July!