Wichita, KS - April 11, 2005 - To symbolize its ongoing support of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the EAA Young Eagles program, Cessna Aircraft Company will provide a 172 Skyhawk - the airplane responsible for more EAA Young Eagles flights than any other - to adorn EAA's main gate display at this year's Sun 'n Fun fly-in, April 12-18 in Lakeland, Florida.
"At Cessna, 'teaching the world to fly' is a core value," said Cessna's Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. "One of the ways we carry out this vision is by collaborating with the EAA Young Eagles program, which gives young people an opportunity to fly in a general aviation airplane. No matter where we find ourselves in this experience - from building the world's favorite 'learn to fly' airplanes to taking Young Eagles participants on their first flight - we revel in every opportunity we have to share the wonders of flight."
In January 2005, Cessna and the EAA announced a landmark, five-year agreement launching "Partners in Flight," which provides financial support to EAA's Young Eagles program, its other youth-education efforts, and its historical-preservation missions.
Under the agreement, Cessna will also serve as the presenting sponsor of the EAA Gathering of Eagles event, the association's preeminent fundraising function, which takes place during the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh convention. This year's EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration," will take place July 25-31 on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport and EAA's world headquarters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. EAA Young Eagles has introduced more than 1.1 million youth to the joy of flight since 1992. A large proportion of those flights occurred aboard Cessna airplanes, with the 172 Skyhawk representing roughly a quarter of all the flights. Cessna and the other Partners in Flight support these inspirational flights and EAA's follow-up educational efforts that use aviation to energize young people to explore and achieve their potential.
EAA, The Leader in Recreational Aviation, is an international association with 170,000 members and 1,000 local chapters. To join EAA or for more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.
Cessna Aircraft Company is a subsidiary of Textron. Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company with 44,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com or www.cessna.com. For additional information or questions about the general aviation industry, contact the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) at 202-393-1500 or www.GAMA.aero.