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Old May 23rd 05, 06:10 PM
Tedstriker
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Default Poberenzy retaking EAA helm

Is this article true?


Paul Poberezny Retakes Presidency of EAA
Fri, 01 Apr '05

04.01.05 Special Edition: EAA Founder Paul Poberezny surprised the
aviation world with the announcement that he has retaken the
Presidency of EAA.



Leaving retirement, the Senior Poberezny cited "the renewed need for
basic grassroots support to see the Sport Pilot program through to a
proper conclusion, the experience I have with the true rank and file
of sport aviation, and the fact that I am bored out of my skull with
retirement," for the reason that he sought and claimed the Presidency
once again.

Flanked by troops comprised of some of the more militant members of
the Antique/Classic division and a smattering of warbird flyers,
Poberezny set upon EAA HQ shortly before the opening of business,
changed the locks, and let selected staff members through after
signing a loyalty pledge promising allegiance to the Association's
founder. Over the course of the day, a majority of staffers jumped
ship (minus a number of the marketing folks) and pledged their loyalty
to Paul, as well... leaving EAA running a "little leaner and a lot
less meaner" than before, according to Paul.

Former President Tom Poberezny was nowhere to be seen. Repeated
questions were met with silence until one unnamed spokesperson noted
that, "Tommy's been sent to his room..."

EAA Spokesman Dick Knapinski said the power transfer happened,
"...swiftly and with surprisingly little bloodshed." Knapinski also
noted that the Senior Poberezny is making big plans for a "new EAA"
that includes lower admission prices for the annual Oshkosh airshow, a
renewed emphasis on cost-effective and affordable aviation, and strong
support for the Sport Pilot initiative regardless of who gets the
credit for it, or who profits from it.

Poberezny, in a short interview with ANN added that, "Aviation is
taking some hard knocks from the government, an unfriendly media, and
a world that has lost much of its fascination with flight. We're going
to get back to basics, we're going to support the grassroots of
aviation, and we'll grow slowly from there. If aviation can rediscover
its roots, maybe we can get the rest of the world interested, again,
in aviation."