WIX Archives

Follow the money... (What, me a cynic?)

Posted by bdk on Mon Jan 27, 2003 11:34:25 PM

In reply top Re: Is Paul I getting grounded? posted by JimH on Mon Jan 27, 2003 11:10:58 PM

Well, I suppose that there isn't exactly a shortage of P-51's around, especially during the airshow. it seems that any flying airplane would be a bother to the EAA (or most museums for that matter) unless they can generate revenue in excess of expenses (like selling lots of seats on each B-17 flight and corporate sponsorship). Remember, the EAA is a corporation, not (supposedly) a playground for the inner circle to enjoy flying warbirds at the members' expense. Warbirds are only a small part of what EAA is about. Very few of EAA's planes fly, other than those that produce revenue or can be justified through exposure (advertising). The EAA has other things on their mind like Sport Pilot Certification and collecting revenue from all those new business jet startups they are hawking (publicizing) incessantly...

EAA is no longer a labor of love to the founders (in my opinion), it has gone corporate (big time). EAA used to be about experimenting, now it is about building mass produced unassembled aircraft (kits). EAA has its place in history and still does much for general aviation, but it has lost much of its charm.

That being said, it is indeed a shame that P-51 may never fly again. Maybe they wouldn't notice if I substituted a fiberglass replica???? :-)


: : What happened to "Keep 'em Flying"
:
: The XP-51 I can understand...but the others?

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