EAA South Africa
If you like aircraft and the people who fly them, the EAA – the Experimental Aircraft Association – is for you. EAA offers something for all enthusiasts – pilots, designers, builders, dreamers, in other words anyone who enjoys the unique experience and total freedom of flight. Everyone is most welcome.
EAA Young Eagles
Our junior programme exposes children to the aviation industry and has resulted in some of our junior members finding careers in the aviation industry. It’s an expansion of the international Young Eagles program (which continues even though it reached its goal of giving one million children the chance of flight before the Centenary of the Wright Brother’s first flight).
EAA Young Aviators
The Young aviators program is for anyone between the ages 16-30 years old involved in or wanting to get into aviation. Everyone is welcome whether you’re a glider pilot, a fixed wing pilot, a helicopter pilot, ground crew operations, or even if you are just looking at starting your journey in aviation.
What is the EAA
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is comprised of members with an interest in building, flying, or restoring their own aircraft. EAA gives members an opportunity to share ideas and experiences, get help with a difficult project, or even chat with another member who has common interests.
Message from the President of the EAA of South Africa
Behind the Scenes: EAA Members Meeting at the Clubhouse
Chapters: EAA consists of a number of individual “Chapters”. Each Chapter is made up of members (like you) from the same geographical area. Chapters organise activities for their members – such as fly-ins, talks, visits to building and restoration projects – and also offer support for members doing their own aircraft building or restoration.
Activities: Major events on the South African EAA calendar include EAA AirWeek during April/May and Sun ‘n Fun during August. Chapters often organise their own events ranging from a Young Eagles day, fabric covering workshops, breakfast fly-ins, visits to ATC centres, and more. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic, however, activities have become less.
Junior Program: Our junior programme exposes children to the aviation industry and has resulted in some of our junior members finding careers in the aviation industry. It’s an expansion of the international Young Eagles program (which continues even though it reached its goal of giving one million children the chance of flight before the Centenary of the Wright Brother’s first flight).
EAA’s Vision: Promote the building, restoration and flying of non type certificated aircraft for all South Africans through the provision of scientific information and educational programmes, infrastructural development and participation in the development of relevant legislation.
How to join: Find which membership option suits you, then fill in an application form. Once we’ve received your fees, you’ll receive your membership card in the post.
How we’re organised
In South Africa, EAA has about 500 members around the country. We do not have a “home base” where we “operate” from and we are often found traveling between airfields to socialise and host meetings.
The National Council of EAA Chapters is the liaison body between the EAA Chapters. It’s composed of the various chapter chairmen throughout the country, and an executive committee which is elected at the annual general meeting held at the Annual General Meeting.
Information on the Aero Club of South Africa can be found at www.aeroclub.org.za.