22 Facts About Paul Poberezny

Paul Howard Poberezny was an American aviator, entrepreneur, and aircraft designer.

Paul Poberezny founded the Experimental Aircraft Association in 1953, and spent the greater part of his life promoting homebuilt aircraft.

Paul Poberezny flew for more than 70 years of his life in over 500 different types of aircraft, and was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1999.

Paul Poberezny received the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy in 2002 and was ranked fourth on Flying's list of the 51 Heroes of Aviation, the highest-ranked living person on the list at the time of its release.

Paul Poberezny died of cancer in 2013, at the age of 91.

Paul Poberezny was the oldest of three children born to Peter Poberezny, a Ukrainian migrant born and raised in Terebovlia, and Jettie Dowdy, who hailed from the southern United States.

Paul Poberezny became interested in aviation at an early age and built model airplanes as his first educational experience into aircraft design.

Paul Poberezny then learned how to fly and repair aircraft in high school, starting with a WACO Primary Glider and Porterfield 35 monoplane, and followed by an American Eagle biplane after high school.

Paul Poberezny founded the Experimental Aircraft Association out of his Hales Corners, Wisconsin home in 1953.

Paul Poberezny retired as EAA President in 1989, remaining as chairman of the organization until 2009.

In March 2009, Paul Poberezny stepped down as Chairman of EAA and his son took on these duties as well.

Paul Poberezny served for 30 years in the Wisconsin Air National Guard and United States Air Force, including active duty during World War II and the Korean War.

Paul Poberezny retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel, and attained all seven aviation wings offered by the military: glider pilot, service pilot, rated pilot, liaison pilot, senior pilot, Army aviator, and command pilot.

Paul Poberezny flew over 500 aircraft types, including over 170 home-built planes throughout his life.

Paul Poberezny was introduced to aviation in 1936 at the age of 16 with the gift of a donated damaged WACO Primary Glider that he rebuilt and taught himself to fly.

Paul Poberezny designed, modified, and built several home-built aircraft, and had more than 30,000 hours of flight time in his career.

Paul Poberezny made the first test flight of the EAA Biplane example Parkside Eagle in 1971, which was constructed by students of Parkside High School in Michigan.

Paul Poberezny died of cancer on August 22,2013, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, at age 91.

In 1971 Paul Poberezny was the first recipient of the Duane and Judy Cole Award, presented to individuals that promote sport aviation.

Paul Poberezny received the NBAA's 2001 Award for Meritorious Service to Aviation and the 2002 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy.

At the time of its release, just one month before his death, Paul Poberezny was the highest-ranked living person on the list.

Paul Poberezny created an organization that allowed, fostered and promoted creativity and perseverance for aviation.