See full coverage of that presentation in this issue of AirVenture Today.

Yesterday, EAA Vice President Earl Lawrence, along with leaders of the Homebuilt Aircraft Council, presented EAA’s position on proposed FAA policy changes related to the 51 percent rule. In July 2007, the FAA said it was considering changes to its policies on amateur-built aircraft, to address what it saw as abuses of the 51 percent rule. Lawrence and Van’s Aircraft President Dick Van Grunsven co-chaired an advisory committee that made specific recommendations to preserve the freedoms and privileges that amateur builders have enjoyed for 50 years. FAA officials have repeatedly stated their commitment to preserving the amateur-built category, and the agency’s proposed new policies incorporate most of EAA’s recommendations.

The Continuing Evolution of Light-Sport Aircraft
The adoption of ASTM standards was an important part of the light-sport aircraft (LSA) rules proposed by EAA in 2004 and adopted by the FAA to create the LSA Category. At yesterday’s “LSA Assessment” meeting, FAA officials were briefed on manufacturers’ ongoing efforts to implement ASTM standards and develop methods for assessing compliance with the standards. EAA assists and advises manufacturers in those efforts. Read full coverage of the LSA Assessment Meeting in this issue of AirVenture Today.

Bringing EAA Chapters and Federal Regulators Together
EAA members from the Placerville (California) Airport met with FAA officials yesterday to discuss concerns about conducting test flights of amateur-built aircraft at the airport. Placerville is home to an active amateur-builders’ community. EAA’s membership—nearly 170,000 strong—and its ongoing advocacy at all levels of government give EAA the credibility to facilitate meetings and collaborative problem solving between grassroots aviators and federal regulators.

Aviation Fuel Is a Burning Issue
The future of 100-Low-Lead and other aviation fuels was the hot topic at a meeting of the Coordinating Research Council (CRC) Octane Rating Group yesterday at AirVenture. Doug Macnair, EAA’s vice president of governmental affairs and director of EAA’s Washington, D.C. office, said “AirVenture brings together all the key players on this critical issue and allows us to work on solutions in a collaborative way.”

Read more about aircraft fuels later this week AirVenture Today.

On Final Approach—Wednesday
FAA Administrator Robert Sturgell arrives in Oshkosh late this afternoon for a three-day visit to AirVenture. Read AirVenture Today for coverage of his activities.