The agreement outlines a number of areas the EAA and SPA plan on working together.
The EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) and SPA (Seaplane Pilots Association) recently signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding joint efforts between the two organizations to bring the possibilities of flight to more people.
According to EAA CEO and Chairman Jack J. Pelton, the two organizations share both a common passion for flying and a significant number of members. “This memo of understanding sets the stage of the next step of cooperation between our associations, as we must work together to sustain and grow interest in all forms of aviation.”
For the Seaplane Pilots Association, the main focus is to promote safe seaplane operation and protect the privilege aviators currently enjoy of sharing the nation’s waterways with other recreational, governmental and commercial operators. According to SPA Executive Director Steven McCaughey, “The SPA and its members are excited to explore a closer relationship with EAA and begin work on how both organizations will, in a mutual way, promote and increase aviation participation across all age groups.” He adds that the two groups share so many fundamental principles that working together will not only benefit members of both groups but recreational aviation overall.
Additional Details on the Agreement
According to the groups, the new agreement outlines a number of specific areas where EAA and SPA will work together, including:
- Support of mutual membership goals.
- Collaboration on advocacy issues.
- Creating joint opportunities where both organizations can be promoted to the public.
- The EAA’s continued support of seaplane base operations during the annual EAA AirVenture fly-in.
- An increased visibility for each organization in the other’s outreach and different communication channels.
The EAA and SPA will also be creating a joint working group that will explore different possibilities for joint programs and activities that will serve to inspire both youth and adults to get involved with aviation and flying, particularly with seaplane flying.
Featured Image: courtesy of Andrew, CC2
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