Editorial: Thanks, Paul

By Ed Downs

A visionary, leader and damned good pilot flew over the southern horizon for the last time on Aug. 22, 2013.  Paul Poberezny, founder of the Experimental Aircraft Association, is gone.

Virtually every aviation publication in the world will comment on the passing of this remarkable man, most recounting the creation of the EAA, the incredible success of this organization and the part that Paul Poberezny played in shaping the modern world of recreational flying.  To be sure, the creation of the EAA and all that it has stood for over the years is a story that needs to be told in perspective with the amazing person who fathered what we now refer to as the “homebuilt movement.”  But this writer would like to take a different approach. 

You see, Paul was my friend.  The funny thing is that thousands of people can correctly say the same thing.  To meet Paul was to become his friend.  To work with Paul was to become a friend for whom he would always take time to greet and say “hello” to, when the occasion permitted, usually at AirVenture. 

Once, while having lunch with Paul, I thanked him for a couple of decisions in which he had participated that changed the direction of the EAA so as to embrace not only homebuilt airplanes, but also classic and contemporary aircraft.  But that was the only time I ever specifically said “thanks” to Paul.  Like most, this writer regrets those things not done, and not saying “thanks” to Paul more often is one of them.  For just a moment, allow me to express personal views regarding a long relationship.  The fact is, many of my experiences with the EAA have been shared by thousands, so know that I include the “thanks” of many others, as well.

Thanks Paul, for sharing your immense enthusiasm for the sheer joy of flight in a manner that has touched tens of thousands over the years.  Sure, we all love flying, but how many of us have shared our passion in a way that affected so many others?  Yes, thanks for the EAA.

Thanks Paul, for that terrific article in Popular Mechanics about the Corbin Baby Ace.  The Baby Ace became my dream plane, and encouraged this 16 year old student pilot and his twin brother (also a student pilot) to join the EAA, only four years after creation of the organization.  My brother and I never built the Baby Ace, but nearly 53 years later I did fly a beautiful example of this great little plane, a high point of my flying career.

Thanks Paul, for developing a chapter system that allowed two kids to meet aviation pros who encouraged a couple of teenagers to buy their first plane at only 17 years of age, an old, beat up, Taylorcraft L-2 ($900!).  The “chapter gang” helped us get this “time builder” in the air and kicked off two aviation careers that have still to see their last day.  Next came a Whitman Tailwind project. Although never completed, it served as trade-up cash for the plane that would, by the age of 18, make this writer a professional pilot and CFI.

Thanks Paul, for the technology and skills learned through amateur aircraft construction that would give me the solid engineering base needed to pursue a career in the airlines and aerospace industries, ending up in advanced pilot training, aircraft certification and flight test engineering.  Who would have thought?

Thanks Paul, for inviting classic and contemporary aircraft into the folds of the EAA, allowing my wife and young family to reengage in EAA activities and fly-ins around the country.  My kids learned about flying in airplanes and my wife earned her private pilot certificate, all in a classic Tri-Pacer.  This writer, so fulfilled at being “back home” in recreational flying, left the “big guys” behind and joined in with the kit plane industry, a relationship that would last nearly 20 years, and is still not done.

Thanks Paul, for becoming a personal friend as I attended the many meetings at EAA headquarters while the primary category aircraft and recreational pilot license were created.  A few years later, I was once again at EAA HQ, creating what we know today as Sport Pilot and LSA.  The chats, food, Wisconsin beer and fellowship of the Poberezny family rank at the top of my memories.  Thanks, Paul, for never failing to look me up at my AirVenture show site, and sharing a table with me if you were in the lunch room.

Thanks Paul, for that invitation to “take the Tri-motor” around the patch while attending a joint EAA/FAA meeting at the Museum.  Forgive my dumb decision to decline the offer due to what I perceived to be the importance of the meeting.  This was the only chance I would ever have to fly with you, and I let business stand in the way.  Please accept my apologies.  I have not made that sort of mistake again!

Thanks Paul, for being a part of the EAA management team that recommended my name for an award, recognizing the contributions I have made to test flying and flight safety.  I never knew anyone was watching or that I had done anything special.  Having my name engraved on permanent display at the EAA museum was the absolute high point of my professional life, and is still something I look to for encouragement when times are tough.

Thanks Paul for serving our country for 30 years in the Air Force.  Both as a combat pilot in WWII and then Korea, your service went above and beyond.  No one would have expected more from you, but that that was not who you were.  Allow me the thank you on behalf of America.

Many of us who have been active in the EAA since the beginning realize that our final flight south may not be far off.  To be sure, we all plan to stay away from “180 degrees” as long as we can, but when the time comes, know that I will be looking for your formation.  I don’t really care where I end up in the echelon, just as long as I am there.  I can think of no greater honor than to fly your wing.