EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2009 SUCCESS LAYS GROUNDWORK FOR FUTURE OF EAA, AVIATION

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (Aug. 7, 2009) - The
success of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 not only meant continuing
strength and growth at what's known as "The World Greatest Aviation
Celebration," but created a positive spark for the entire aviation
community.

The 57th annual EAA fly-in convention was held July 27-August 2 at
Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, attracting more than 10,000
airplanes and a total attendance increase of 12 percent, to 578,000.
Often called "aviation's family reunion," EAA AirVenture brings together
the entire world of flight and welcomes aviation enthusiasts, businesses
and policymakers from around the globe.

"Although people may recall specific highlights during the week,
EAA AirVenture is also an accurate gauge of the current vitality and
mood within the aviation community and industry," said Tom Poberezny,
EAA president and AirVenture chairman, who earlier this week called
AirVenture 2009 "the best ever."

"We're pleased to note that aviation exhibitors reported solid to
outstanding business during the week, as Oshkosh served as aviation's
'stimulus program' that grew from the people involved instead of the
government. Just as important, the 'spirit of Oshkosh' excites and
motivates people regarding aviation and helps build momentum for the
future."

Several aircraft announcements and debuts took place at EAA
AirVenture, including aircraft from such established companies as Piper
and RotorWay International, as well as newer firms such as Tecnam,
Yuneec, and ICON. In addition, numerous companies announced new
aviation products and accessories during AirVenture week.

While the entire aviation community benefited from the success of
EAA AirVenture 2009, EAA's year-round programs and activities also
received a boost from the event's success. Proceeds from the annual
event are used for EAA's membership programs, government advocacy
efforts and youth aviation education activities.

"When times are tough, people make choices," Poberezny said.
"They choose the places and things that are most important to them and
this year, it was evident that Oshkosh is important to thousands of
people. This is the place where the entire spectrum of aviation, from
government policymakers and industry leaders to pilots and enthusiasts,
comes together to celebrate the world of flight and creates solutions to
our common challenges."

Several aviation organizations joined EAA and its National
Association of Flight Instructors affiliate in announcing the inaugural
"International Learn To Fly Day" scheduled for May 15, 2010. This day
will focus on introducing the world of flight to others and building the
pilot population, which has dwindled by 25 percent over the past quarter
century.

The nearly $4 million of site improvements introduced this year at
EAA AirVenture were also well-received by the huge crowds. The site
enhancements presented in 2009 were the first of many coming in future
years aimed at upgrading the grounds in a variety of areas to benefit
attendees, exhibitors and others.

"We were very pleased that the site improvements met with such
overwhelmingly positive reaction," Poberezny said. "The success of this
year's event allows EAA to look forward to more enhancements that will
make the Oshkosh experience even better."

Those projected improvements are scheduled to continue in all
areas of the AirVenture site over the upcoming year, with specific
details announced as they are finalized.

"2009 was a truly memorable year at Oshkosh, with the positive and
energetic attitude evident throughout the grounds," Poberezny said.
"The success this year will be seen as a turning point for aviation, EAA
and the unique event that is AirVenture."

EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World's Greatest Aviation
Celebration and EAA's yearly membership convention. Additional EAA
AirVenture information is available online at www.airventure.org. For
more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA
(1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Instant updates are available at
http://twitter.com/EAAupdate.