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06/27/05 - EAA, LAMA JOIN FORCES TO BUILD AND PROMOTE SPORT PILOT / LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT COMMUNITY
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA) have given a major boost to the growing sport pilot/light-sport aircraft community, by forging an agreement that will provide the benefits of each organization to those who purchase, build or fly light-sport aircraft.
The agreement will allow LAMA, which represents aviation suppliers, and manufacturers of ready-to-fly light-sport aircraft as well as sport pilot-compliant aircraft kits, to combine with the flight-enthusiast members of EAA to promote this new facet of flying, which was made possible by the new sport pilot rule that went into effect in September 2004. As part of its mission to make the joy of personal flight more attainable and affordable, EAA led the charge for this new category of recreational aviation.
“Even though the sport pilot rule has been in effect for less than one year, great strides have been made to create an infrastructure that will get people into the sky in less time and with less money,” said Rick Larsen, EAA vice president of marketing. “EAA and LAMA share a common goal of opening the world of flight to everyone who wants to participate. Together our two organizations will provide support and unparalleled resources so people can thoroughly experience and enjoy this facet of flying.”
Enthusiasts who purchase an aircraft or a minimum order of supplier products from any LAMA-member company will be able to fully participate in EAA’s programs and activities that encourage and support recreational aviation. Meanwhile, EAA will showcase LAMA-member manufacturers through its events, programs and publications, presenting the wide array of aircraft available through those manufacturers. That includes the successful EAA Sport Pilot Tour, which brings aircraft and information to aviation enthusiasts at various locations throughout the country.
“LAMA members are dedicated to bringing aircraft to the marketplace that will allow more people to fulfill their personal dreams of flight,” said Larry Burke, LAMA president. “Joining with EAA is an excellent match for our organization, since EAA has been at the forefront of the sport pilot/light-sport movement for more than a decade, and has brought together the aviation community to make sport pilot a success.”
A number of LAMA-member companies will be participating at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2005. Manufacturers will stage their aircraft in EAA’s special “light-sport aircraft mall” that allows aviation enthusiasts to see the many aircraft models, talk to factory representatives and find the aircraft that best suits their kind of flying.
The EAA/LAMA agreement also envisions the creation of additional resources and information for sport pilots and light-sport aircraft owners. Those joint initiatives will be introduced throughout the upcoming year, and will present exciting new ways for people to enter the world of light-sport aircraft flying and activities. Both organizations have been deeply involved in the development of the sport pilot rule and leading the creation of the essential ASTM International standards for light-sport aircraft.
Founded in 1984, LAMA is a nonprofit national trade association representing manufacturers of light aircraft, engines, avionics, parts/subassemblies, and suppliers and distributors to the light aircraft industry and community. LAMA was instrumental in the development of ultralight/light aircraft airworthiness and quality standards in the 1980s and, more recently, developing Light Sport Aircraft ASTM consensus standards. For more information, call LAMA at 925-426-0771 or go to www.lama.bz. |
