26 July 2022
Tom Poberezny, the retired president and chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association, died early on Monday, 25 July, at the age of 75, following a brief illness. Tom was EAA president from 1989 until 2010.
“It is not lost on us that Tom’s passing occurred on the opening day of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the event he led into world prominence as its chairman beginning in the 1970s,” said Jack Pelton, EAA CEO and chairman of the board.
“Tom’s legacy is tremendous in the world of aviation with his personal achievements as well as the growth of EAA, especially the development of the current EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, the Young Eagles program, and the creation of sport pilot nearly 20 years ago.
“He will be greatly missed, but more importantly, he will be remembered for all that he did for EAA and aviation. Our deep condolences and prayers go to Tom’s wife, Sharon, and his daughter, Lesley, and the rest of the Poberezny family.”
An accomplished aviator, Tom was a member of the U.S. National Unlimited Aerobatic Team that captured the World Aerobatic Championships in 1972. The following year, he won the U.S. National Unlimited Aerobatic Championship. He flew for 25 years as one wing of the Eagles Aerobatic Team, a successful civilian precision flying team.
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO, Pete Bunce, said, “Tom Poberezny was a lifelong ambassador for the general aviation community. The vison he shared with his father is the reason why tens of thousands of aviation enthusiasts gather at AirVenture to celebrate all things aviation.”
