EAA, Southeast Regional Fly-In sign sponsorship agreement

For more information contact:
Dick Knapinski, Media and Public Relations
(920) 426-6523
dknapinski@eaa.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (Sept. 24, 2008) - EAA and the Southeast Regional Fly-In (SERFI) have signed a new working agreement that brings higher visibility to the SERFI event and clearly defines EAA's role in the popular fly-in.

The agreement underscores the shared missions of SERFI, which is celebrating its 18th anniversary in 2008, and EAA, the 170,000-member international organization that is dedicated to the spirit of aviation. Under the agreement, EAA will provide extensive promotion and coverage of SERFI, and also serve as a major sponsor of aviation educational activities such as forums and workshops during the event, among other considerations.

"This agreement provides an outstanding framework to ensure the future success of SERFI, confirms its organizational independence and highlights EAA's support for grassroots aviation events throughout the country," said Adam Smith, EAA's vice president of membership. "We have set the stage for success in our shared missions, which is to promote recreational aviation in all its forms."

The two organizations had operated under a more informal agreement, which did not provide specific definitions of each group's commitments and responsibilities. The new agreement, which is in place just in time for this year's SERFI on Oct. 24-26 at Evergreen, Ala., reflects the evolving aviation community in the 21st century.

"We're very happy to have this agreement signed with EAA," said Bruce Newman, SERFI chairman. "We're glad to be able to maintain a sponsorship relationship with EAA."

SERFI will once again be held at Middleton Field (GZH) just west of Evergreen, Ala., which features plenty of room for aircraft camping and parking. This year's theme is "Three Days of Friendly Folks and Flying Fun."

Among the forums and highlights scheduled are:
* FAA Aviation Safety Program;
* Education and informational forums;
* Open-Cockpit aircraft and helicopter flights available;
* Fly-Market on site with vendors;
* Plenty of grassroots aviation camaraderie and fun.

More information about SERFI, including admission prices, accommodations and schedule information as confirmed, is available at www.serfi.org.

SERFI is owned and operated by the Southeast Regional Fly-In Inc., an organization that is independent of EAA. EAA does not own or control any part of the event or organizing body.

EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 170,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.

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