EAA, Rocky Mt. Regional Fly-In Sign Sponsorship Deal

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (August 7, 2009) - EAA and Colorado Sport Aviation Inc. have signed a new working agreement that brings higher visibility to the annual Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-In and clearly defines EAA's role in the popular fly-in.

The agreement underscores the shared missions of the Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-In, which returns in 2009 after a one-year hiatus, and EAA, the 160,000-member international organization that is dedicated to the spirit of aviation. Under the agreement, EAA will provide extensive promotion and coverage of the Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-In, and also serve as a major sponsor of aviation educational activities during the event, among other considerations.

"This agreement provides an outstanding framework to ensure the future success of the Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-In, 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 and grow 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 Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-In on August 22-23 at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport near Denver, reflects the evolving aviation community in the 21st century.

"We're very happy to have this agreement signed with EAA," said Jim Cimicula, Rocky Mountain Fly-In event chairman. "We're glad to be able to maintain a sponsorship relationship with EAA through our move to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. The increased access it brings to the Denver metro area opens new opportunities for both organizations."

The Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-In, now in its 30th year, will be held for the first time at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), which is near Broomfield and Westminster, Colo., just northwest of Denver. Plenty of room is available for aircraft camping and parking.

Among the forums and highlights scheduled are:

* A full slate of forums on both days of the event;

* Aircraft judging in five categories, plus special awards;

* A huge KidSpace Activity Center for young people, highlighting the fun and excitement of aviation;

* Exhibitors and vendors;

* A daily air show each day, with a twilight show on Saturday, Aug. 22;

* Plenty of grassroots aviation camaraderie and fun.

More information about the Rocky Mountain Fly-In, including admission prices, accommodations and schedule information as confirmed, is available at www.cosportaviation.org.

The fly-in is owned and operated by Colorado Sport Aviation Inc., an organization that is independent of EAA. EAA does not own or control any part of the event or organizing body.

Colorado Sport Aviation, Inc. is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to serve and promote recreational aviation by hosting an annual regional fly-in. Recreational aviation encompasses fun, families, building, restoring, flying, exploring and learning. The CSA's mission places an emphasis on providing at-risk and gifted and talented children access to general aviation opportunities through education, introductory flight experience (EAA's Young Eagles Program), hands-on construction/technology seminars, Air Academy Scholarships and Flight Training Grants.

EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 160,000 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.