AURORA, OREGON – The Aircraft Kit Industry Association (AKIA) was formed this past summer at EAA AirVenture to provide corporations with a vested interest in homebuilding an opportunity to speak with a unified voice on issues of safety and industry growth. To broaden their resources, the group has invited three prominent figures in aviation to provide guidance and counsel in select key issues affecting the industry through an advisory board. These people include Tom Poberezny, former President of EAA and Chairman of AirVenture; Frank Christensen of Christen Industries, who revolutionized the kit aircraft business with the introduction of the Eagle aerobatic aircraft kit in 1977; and Dale Klapmeier, CEO of Cirrus Aircraft, who got his start in aircraft kit manufacturing with the VK-30 and transitioned to certified aircraft manufacturing with the Cirrus SR20 and SR22.
“In accepting our invitation to participate on an advisory board, these men bring a level of credibility, knowledge and experience that not only contributes instant recognition to AKIA, but which will be invaluable in addressing the issues currently confronting all of us in the EAB movement,” said Dick VanGrunsven, President of AKIA and Van’s Aircraft. “We’re pleased to have them with us and believe they add significant power to the voice of AKIA.”
AKIA’s mission is to represent aircraft kit manufacturers, designers, suppliers and supporters with a unified voice in the promotion and safety of the aircraft kit industry.
