Sport pilot Phil Simon tends to detailing his $30,000 Sonex LSA — the first LSA to fly to all 48 contiguous states — in preparation for his presentations this week in the new Affordable Flying Center. Photo by Dave Higdon

Rising fuel prices, maintenance expenses, hangar fees, the cost of an aircraft; pursuing a passion for aviation may appear beyond reach for a lot of people. But EAA has always been about finding a better way to do things, primarily through pooling and sharing knowledge and information. That’s essentially what’s behind an attraction set to debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008, the Affordable Flying Center.

"The EAA Affordable Flying Center will focus on ways our members can achieve and maintain their dream of flight, even on a limited budget," said EAA’s Ron Wagner, who is leading efforts to organize the new feature attraction. "EAAers have lots of creative ways to get the most bang for their aviation bucks, and the idea is to collect and make them available to share with each other."

Located in the former NASA building (north of the old control tower adjacent to the Honda Forums Plaza), the Affordable Flying Center will feature a mini forum area, indoor displays, and examples of standard category aircraft like the Taylorcraft, Piper Colt/Tri-Pacer, etc. that can provide an economical pathway to flight. EAA’s staff of experts and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and provide information to those seeking a less expensive way to pursue their aviation passion.

Some of the areas they’ll be ready to discuss include:

• Partnerships and flying clubs.
• Owner-maintenance opportunities.
• Plans-building, where the builder’s time and sweat equity substitute for money to create one of the most cost-effective ways to own a low-cost aircraft.
• Sport pilot/light-sport aircraft and how this growing category can help enthusiasts pursue their passion for flight for less cost.

During this week, folks with their own ideas are welcome to stop by to share their stories and ideas about innovative ways to affordably own, build, buy, maintain, or fly an aircraft.