Tom Poberezny | |
|---|---|
 Poberezny at the Sun 'n Fun airshow in 2004 | |
| Born | October 3, 1946 |
| Died | July 25, 2022 (aged 75) |
| Alma mater | Northwestern University (BSE) |
| Occupation(s) | Aviation businessman, aerobatic pilot |
| Years active | 1970–2011 |
| Known for | Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) president, Eagles Aerobatic Team pilot, Young Eagles co-founder |
| Board member of | Garmin, AKIA, Cirrus Aircraft, Citation Jet Pilots Association, Angel Flight West |
| Spouse | Sharon Poberezny |
| Children | Lesley Poberezny |
| Parent(s) | Paul Poberezny Audrey Poberezny |
Thomas Paul Poberezny (October 3, 1946 – July 25, 2022) was an American aerobatic world champion aviator, as well as chairman of the annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Fly-In and Convention (now named AirVenture) from 1977 to 2011 and president of EAA from 1989 to 2010, presiding over a time period of expansive growth for the organization and convention. He succeeded his father, Paul Poberezny, who founded them in 1953.[1][2]
Poberezny was a member of the Eagles Aerobatic Team (originally the Red Devils), which was formed in 1971 and flew for more than 25 years, setting the record for the longest-running aerobatic team with the same members. He led the effort to build what is now known as the EAA Aviation Museum, opened in 1983, and is a co-founder of the Young Eagles, an EAA program created in 1992 to give children the opportunity to experience flight and learn about general aviation, flying more than two million young people since its creation and making it the most successful program of its kind in history.[3] From his involvement in the EAA, Poberezny is often credited with having led the introduction of the light-sport aircraft category in 2004.[4][5][6] In 2016, he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.[6]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
bwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "NBAA Salutes EAA's Tom Poberezny for Remarkable Contributions to Industry".
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
NahfInductionwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Poberezny, Tom". National Aviation Hall of Fame.
- ^ "Tom Poberezny Into National Aviation Hall of Fame". EAA.org.
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
AvWebHOFwas invoked but never defined (see the help page).