The Sconi

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) former president Tom Poberezny died Monday at age 75 after a brief illness. Monday also marked the start of EAA's 69th AirVenture week at Wittman Regional Airport. 

“It is not lost on us that Tom’s passing occurred on the opening day of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the event he led into world prominence as its chairman beginning in the 1970s,” EAA CEO and Chairman Jack J. Pelton said to WBay.com.

Poberezny served as president of the EAA, the organization his father founded, from 1989 to 2010. In AirVenture circles, fans came to know him as the man who came around in his red Volkswagen and talked with everyone.

“He will be greatly missed, but more importantly, he will be remembered for all that he did for EAA and aviation," Pelton said. "Our sincere thoughts and prayers go to Tom’s wife, Sharon, and his daughter, Lesley, and the rest of the Poberezny family.”

Fans are also planning an airshow tribute to Poberezny at AirVenture and a memorial around his iconic No. 3 Volkswagen.   

An accomplished aviator, Poberezny was a member of the U.S. National Unlimited Aerobatic Team that captured the World Championship in 1972. Soon after, he won the U.S. National Unlimited Aerobatic Championship. He flew as one wing of the legendary Eagles Aerobatic Team, originally the Red Devils, for more than two decades.

For one week every summer, airplane and aviation EAA AirVenture Oshkock attracts upwards of 500,000 visitors from at least 80 countries. The celebration includes daily air shows, airplane parades, forums and workshops.