EAA Chairman and CEO Jack J. Pelton announced that Vic Syracuse, EAA 180848, of Locust Grove, Georgia, has been named the new chairman of EAA’s Homebuilt Aircraft Council. Syracuse is assuming the role from departing chairman Rick Weiss, EAA Lifetime 214428.
“I would like to thank Rick for his dedicated service and leadership over the last nine years,” Pelton said. “Under Rick’s leadership, your council has been an important asset to EAA and to the entire homebuilt community.”
EAA’s Homebuilt Aircraft Council ensures the organization’s continued focus on vital programs of benefit to current and future homebuilders. This council of EAA volunteer leaders represents homebuilders and provides direction for programs, services, and activities that add value for members who are dreaming of, building, buying, and flying homebuilt aircraft.
Syracuse has a long history with EAA, not to mention extensive building experience, having completed 11 aircraft projects including a Just Aircraft SuperSTOL, a Prescott Pusher, two Kitfoxes, and multiple Van’s RVs. He is the East Coast representative for Van’s Aircraft, an FAA designated airworthiness representative (DAR) for amateur-built aircraft and an EAA technical counselor, flight advisor, and a Young Eagles pilot, not to mention the owner and operator of Base Leg Aviation.
Syracuse is extremely excited about his new role.
“I keep thinking somebody’s going to pinch me and wake me up,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of momentum going, and it’s a great group of people.” His personal goals for the council include trying to get more people involved in homebuilding.
“We’ve got a segment of the population that isn’t career focused in aviation, and I question if we’re doing enough for them,” he said. “The kids are gone, and they make comments like, ‘Boy, I wish I’d have learned to fly.’ Next line is how expensive it is. … But they could build airplanes. Their kids could learn to fly. … And it becomes a good family kind of thing.”
