Threat from eaa

[Bill Greenwood]

Over the last months I have received renewal notices from EAA headquarters, each more and more persistent.
The last one in July, says, "unless we hear from you in the next twenty days, your connection to the EAA community will end."
That is an exact quote, I didn't make it up or alter the wording.
I know he didn't write it, but it has Rod Hightower's signature at the bottom so I assume he approved it and is responsible for the content and wording.

Three points I'd like to make, Rod:
1 I was an EAA member long before I ever heard of you or you were appointed president.
2 Threats to anyone are just not good manners and are at best counterproductive. I was considering upgrading my membership to a life one, thanks for helping me decide to save the money.
3 Feel free to keep your word and not contact me again. However you will not be the one to decide if and when I end my connection to EAA.

I have been an EAA member for 30 years since shortly after I got my pilot's license.
I have attended Oshkosh each year since 1984, and quite a few years also went to Sun N Fun. Often I brought a display aircraft, sometimes two. I have participated in the Young Eagles ride program, at Oshkosh and other places. I have bought rides on the EAA B-17 before they moved it out of Oshkosh, and a number of times on the EAA trimotor as well as helicopters.I have given forums several times at both Oshkosh and Lakeland on mountain flying that seemed to be well received. I have done a winter course at the musuem. I have been a partner in building one homebuilt and owned another.
I make it a point, or at least I have in the past, to try to get others involved in EAA and Airventure.
My last membership was current through the end of July.
I have renewed my membership each of the last years on the first day of Airventure, just as I did this year. I don't recall any threats before and don't need them now.

I have read other's postings on line as to how they feel EAA has taken a new direction since Paul and Tom are not the daily mangers. Many people feel that new direction is not positive. At first I didn't agree with them ,I have always thought EAA was well run, and the fun side of aviation, but I see some of the other side now.

The good news is that I probably wasn't a prospective buyer for a chalet at Airventure anyway.

Regretfully

Bill Greenwood