BY SAM OLESON AIRVENTURE TODAY STAFF

SEVENTY YEARS AGO, on January 26, 1953, EAA was officially founded. That first meeting took place in a classroom at Gran-Aire Inc. at Curtiss-Wright Airport (now Timmerman field) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with 36 pilots and aviation enthusiasts in attendance. Over the past seven decades, EAA headquarters have moved a few times and the annual members convention and fly-in has shifted around, but one thing has remained the same — the organization’s dedication to spreading The Spirit of Aviation. As we celebrate EAA’s platinum anniversary at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023, each day we’ll share highlights from a different decade of our history.

1970s

1970: The first EAA fly-in convention after the move to Oshkosh takes place. For the next 50-plus years, Oshkosh is the permanent home of the convention.

1971: Three EAA divisions are created — the Antique/Classic Division (now the Vintage Aircraft Association), the International Aerobatic Club, and Warbirds of America. The divisions were created to cater to some of the specialized activities of EAA members. Meanwhile, the Goodyear blimp America highlights EAA Oshkosh.

1973: The B-25 Berlin Express is donated to the EAA Aviation Foundation.

1975: Legendary aerospace engineer Burt Rutan introduces his VariEze at EAA’s fly-in convention. Also in 1975, Camp Scholler opens, providing an expanded campground for EAA Oshkosh attendees.

1976: Paul Poberezny’s son, Tom, is named chairman of the annual EAA fly-in convention. Also in 1976, John Moody, widely regarded as the father of the modern ultralight movement, displays his powered hang glider for the first time.

1977: The Canadian Snowbirds visit and perform at EAA Oshkosh for the first time.

1978: A U.S. Marine Corps Harrier attends EAA Oshkosh.

1979: Theater in the Woods opens for evening programming and other activities at EAA Oshkosh.