EAA Honors Five Aviators with Hall of Fame Induction on Nov. 15

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (Oct. 24, 2012) — The Experimental Aircraft Association will recognize the contributions made to the world of flight by five aviators on Thursday, Nov. 15, as it inducts them into the EAA Hall of Fame during a banquet at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, Wis.

The five aviators represent the spectrum of aviation within the EAA community and have achieved notable successes within their particular realm of flight (details on each follow news release):

• EAA Ultralight Hall of Fame: Taras Kiceniuk Jr. of Santa Paula, Calif.
• International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame: Giles Henderson of Charleston, Ill.
• Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame: Clyde Smith Jr. of Lock Haven, Pa.
• Warbirds of America Hall of Fame: Preston (Pete) Parish of Kalamazoo, Mich.
• EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame: Wes Schmid of Wauwatosa, Wis.

“Each of these five individuals has made a unique contribution to the world of flight that has benefited all of us,” said Chad Jensen, EAA’s communities manager. “These inductees serve as an example for everyone involved in flying and represent the best that recreational aviation has to offer. We recognize their commitment and passion for flying and are honored to welcome them into the EAA Halls of Fame.”

In addition, Tom Shepeck of Oshkosh will receive the Henry Kimberly Spirit of Leadership Award for his efforts on behalf of EAA and the local community. Shepeck has long been involved as a volunteer in AirVenture activities, including as a liaison between the region’s government officials and the event.

A limited number of tickets remain for the dinner and program, which begins with a 6 p.m. reception. Tickets are priced at $50 each. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.eaa.org/halloffame or call 800-236-1025.

About EAA

EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 177,000 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. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAAupdate. 

EAA HALLS OF FAME 2012 INDUCTEES

HOMEBUILDERS HALL OF FAME

Wes Schmid: Schmid, an EAA member since 1956, used his professional skills in the early EAA Experimenter magazine and the publication’s 1958 redesign and name change to Sport Aviation. He also prepared EAA’s advertising programs, developed specialty and educational materials, and displayed his own writing skills as co-author of the authoritative book “Golden Age of Air Racing.”

In 1959, Paul Poberezny appointed Schmid as chairman of the EAA fly-in’s forums area. He retained that position until 2009, a 50-year period where the forums grew from one tent in Rockford, Illinois, to more than a dozen pavilions at Oshkosh.  Schmid also has been a member of the EAA board of directors for 33 years, including as EAA’s board secretary for many of those years.

VINTAGE AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME

Clyde Smith Jr: Smith began a lengthy career with Piper Aircraft right after his college graduation, beginning as a draftsman in the engineering department. Some 20 years later, as manager of the Cub Kit Program, he created at PA-18 in kit form. He also introduced fabric Piper restoration and maintenance courses that are still popular today.