“Experimental Aircraft Association Update” Hangar Flying Session

“Experimental Aircraft Association Update”

Rick Larsen, Experimental Aircraft Association

The Experimental Aircraft Association is no stranger to Minnesotans! Rick Larsen, Vice President of Communities and Member Programs, will brief attendees on what is new at the EAA, with a preview of events to be held at AirVenture 2015 at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Rick will emphasize strategies to promote EAA chapter activities and the EAA’s Young Eagle program.

Rick Larsen has been part of the senior management team at EAA since 2004. He served as EAA’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications until July of 2014 and was responsible for brand management, membership marketing, public relations, research, creative services and marketing support. Larsen now serves as the organization’s Vice President of Communities and Member Programs, responsible for chapters, special interest communities, publications, affinity benefits, youth and adult programming including Young Eagles and Eagle Flights and the EAA Museum. He also plays a leadership role in the development of features and attractions for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Larsen graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Studies. The following year, Larsen achieved his Masters of Business Administration in Aviation. Prior to joining EAA, Larsen spent 13 years with ATA Airlines, Inc. as Vice President of Marketing, supporting the transformation of the airline from a niche charter carrier into a schedule service-focused airline with hubs in Chicago and Indianapolis. Before joining ATA, he spent more than 10 years with Midway Airlines in Chicago in various maintenance and marketing roles. In the past, Larsen served as President for the Board of the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund as well as the President’s Advisory Board and the Alumni Council for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He currently is a board member on the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau. Larsen is an avid sport pilot and resides in Appleton with his wife. They have two grown daughters.