EAA SportAir Workshops Turns 25

By Angela Satterlee

For a quarter of a century, EAA SportAir Workshops have been providing aircraft homebuilders the technical instruction and hands-on experience needed to build safe and functional aircraft. These workshops have helped many enthusiasts take their homebuilt projects from the hangar to the sky, while also creating a community of skilled builders.

The journey began in 1993 when EAA member Ron Alexander, who ran a supply house for aircraft materials, realized builders needed hands-on training to properly use the supplies they were purchasing. Thus, the SportAir Workshops were born. Ron traveled extensively, giving seminars and demonstrating skills to eager audiences. In 2000, EAA bought the SportAir Workshops from Ron Alexander, building on his work to make it into the program that continues to thrive today.

Dick Koehler, EAA 161427, a long-term workshop instructor for the Electrical Systems & Avionics workshop, believes the core of EAA is homebuilding. He emphasized the importance of nurturing this activity through the SportAir Workshop program. “When it really comes down to the heart and soul of EAA, it is people building their own planes! We need to nurture and promote that activity above all else,” he said. “One of the best ways we do that is by offering the SportAir Workshops program.”

The workshops aim to introduce core skills and demystify the processes, helping attendees build safe and operable aircraft.

However, young people have fewer opportunities to learn practical skills with hands-on tools. “Today’s youth have very few shop skills by comparison,” Dick said. “If we don’t have training programs for the next generation of potential homebuilders, the EAA will become a club of old guys and will die as us old guys disappear.”

Roger Stuckey, EAA Lifetime 122373, was recently introduced to these workshops in the beginning of the year when he attended his first class with his son in an attempt to get him interested in building aircraft. They enjoyed the class so much that they’ve already attended another, with two more on their calendars.

Roger believes these workshops are crucial for safety and skill development. “Our instructor first explained the welding technique, demonstrated the technique, and monitored our progress on mastering the technique until individually we were ready to proceed to the next level,” Roger said. “Perfection was not the goal: Completing and understanding what a safe weld looks like is what we achieved.”

Dick said Charlie Becker, EAA director of chapters and homebuilding, and EAA Program Manager Mark Forss have done a great job of finding experienced experts in each field who are also great instructors. “I, personally, like working with each and every one,” he said. “We all work together to make a good experience for the attendees. … We are a team, not a bunch of individuals. This is a testament to the leadership of the program by Mark Forss and Charlie Becker.”

As EAA SportAir Workshops celebrates 25 years, it continues to be a vital part of EAA’s mission, keeping the spirit of aviation homebuilding alive. With dedicated instructors, thorough training, and a supportive community, these workshops help ensure that the tradition of aircraft homebuilding continues to thrive for future generations.

Would You Like to Know More?

SportAir Workshops offers various classes year-round across the United States, typically held over two days on weekends. Each workshop provides participants with workbooks, personal protective equipment, and all necessary tools and materials. The classes cover essential topics such as Composite Construction, Sheet Metal Basics, Fabric Covering, Electrical Systems & Avionics, TIG Welding, Fiberglass Techniques for RV Aircraft, and Gas Welding.

Registration is limited to 16 students per class, ensuring personalized attention and instruction. EAA’s experienced instructors create a safe and supportive environment where homebuilders can learn to use tools, materials, and chemicals proficiently. Through targeted skills-building projects, participants develop the necessary skills to complete their aircraft builds. Learn more at EAA.org/SportAir.