Board of Directors
Volunteering is a key component of Vintage Aircraft Association membership. Our Board of Directors and Officers are elected by the membership. One-half of the officer team and one-half of the directors are elected each year to serve two-year terms. Advisors are appointed for two year terms.
Our current Officers, Directors, Board Advisors, and Directors Emeritus are listed below.
For a complete listing of all past and present Officers, Directors and Advisors click here
Officers
SUSAN DUSENBURY – President, Walnut Cove, North Carolina
Susan began flying at the age of 15 on a private airport (Overton Field) located near her shared hometowns of Andrews and Pawley’s Island, South Carolina. She earned her private pilots certificate during her senior year in high school. Susan is a graduate of Francis Marion University holding a degree in accounting and business administration.
While in college Susan earned her Commercial, Multi-engine, Instrument and Flight Instructor Certificates. After college Susan enrolled in a two year Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics course and graduated with an Associate Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Susan is a longtime EAA and VAA member and volunteer and is currently serving as President of Vintage Chapter 3.
Susan recently retired from the national EAA Board of directors after serving for 20 years and also, recently retired from ABX Air (formally Airborne Freight Corporation) after flying 25 years of night freight. Over time Susan has owned and/or restored several vintage airplanes including an Aeronca 7AC “Champ”, a Luscombe 8A, an Inland Sport, a KR-21 and a Culver “Cadet”. She now owns and flys a 1953 Cessna 180 and a 1937 Taylor J-2 “Cub” from her farm in North Carolina and is currently restoring a 1935 Stinson SR-6 “Reliant”.
DAN KNUTSON – Vice-President, Lodi, Wsconsin
Dan Knutson, a pilot of 44 years lives in Lodi, Wisconsin. He can often be found at Knutson Field, named after his father, EAA Hall of Fame Inductee Richard Knutson Dan is there either flying or enjoying an airport picnic. Dan is an accomplished pilot and has participated in the restoration of 22 airplanes, nine of which he still owns. Since getting his pilot license in 1973, he has enjoyed studying and owning vintage airplanes. Owning and restoring collector automobies is also a passion for Dan.
For 47 years Dan has worked in the automotive industry. He started washing cars in high school and now is a partner in two Chrysler/Dodge..Ram/Jeep dealerships and works in one of the largest dealer groups in the State of Wisconsin. His role includes inventory management, purchasing, and employee supervision.
Dan has a passion for vintage airpanes and is grateful for the opportunity to serve the members of the Vintage Aircraft Association.
DAN WOOD – Secretary, Newnan, Georgia
Dan caught the flying bug from his father who owned Taylorcrafts back in the forties. His first flight, at the age of nine, was with his Uncle in a Brantly helicopter. Dan earned his Private Pilot’s license in 1978 in a Cessna 150 while living near Lansing, MI. After he received a degree in Aircraft Engineering at Western Michigan University in 1986, he earned his A&P certificate in 1995. His engineering discipline took Dan and his family from Michigan to Tennessee to Georgia.
Dan worked at Aeroquip Aerospace, General Motors (Saturn) and he recently retired from Panasonic Automotive Systems as a Global Director of Supplier Quality Assurance. He has owned a Cessna 172, Cessna 182, an Aeronca Champ, currently a Cessna 170, and has a Cessna 170 project. Dan’s Cessna 170 has received awards at Oshkosh, Sun N Fun, Blakesburg, SERFI, and local fly-ins. He is current President and Technical Counselor at EAA Chapter 6 in Newnan, GA with previous stints as President, Secretary/ Newsletter Editor. and has flown Young Eagles. Dan joined EAA in 1988, VAA in 1994 and has attended numerous Oshkosh Conventions. He started volunteering at Oshkosh in 2008 in the Classic Aircraft Judging group and has since moved to the Contemporary Judging group where he currently is the Vice Chairman for Contemporary Awards. Dan and his wife (Debbie) live in Newnan,
PAUL KYLE – Treasurer, Mason, Ohio
Paul’s inspiration in flight came from his grandfather and father who took him to his first Oshkosh convention in 1983. During the late 80’s he started helping his grandfather build a Soneri II. While in college he started taking flight lessons in his father’s 1959 Cessna 150. He graduated from Concordia University in Wisconsin with a degree in Accounting, and acquired his CPA license in 2011. He currently resides in Mason, OH, with his wife Stephanie and young sons Ethan and Allon.
Paul has volunteered in numerous positions for Vintage, starting with the Antique Classic Division during the 1989 Oshkosh convention, where he worked the Flight Line. Later he started volunteering during the work-weekends in the mid 90’s, at Tall Pines Café, and chair of Aeromart. While he still helps out during the Work-Weekends, Paul’s main responsibility is now as Vintage Finance Chairman during AirVenture.
Directors
GEORGE DAUBNER – Director, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
George’s love for aviation started at the tender age of 12, when he attended his first airshow at his hometown airport in Hartford, Wisconsin. He realized then that he wanted to make flying a large part of his life. He started flying in 1969 and earned his Private ticket in 1970. In 1974, George was hired as a co-pilot flying Beech 18s for a Milwaukee based charter company. His job duties also included managing the Hartford Airport on weekends. During that period George was able to check-out in many different types of antique and classic aircraft-including a Cub, Stearman, Great Lakes, and Luscombe, to name a few.
Having retired after 25 years of corporate flying, George spends his time now as the Program Manager for the EAA B-17 Tour, and as a pilot on the EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor. Since 1983 George served the VAA during our Oshkosh convention as a volunteer for, or Chair of VAA Parking and Flight Line Safety and today as Vice Chairman of Vintage Field Operations. In the past George has also served the VAA as Vice President.
JOHN HOFMANN – Director, Columbus, Wisconsin
John’s interest in aviation was handed down from his father. He grew up with plastic models, advancing to radio control and culminating in his private pilot certificate in 1982. He attended his first Oshkosh convention in 1978, joined EAA in 1982 and became a VAA member in 1988. In 1990, John moved from Minnesota to Indiana and became involved with EAA Chapter 226 in Anderson where he eventually served as Secretary and President.
While in Indiana, John received his A&P certificate and worked in technical publications at Rolls-Royce. While working for Ken Cook, Co. in Milwaukee, he also wrote marketing and technical materials for Beechcraft and was privileged to help edit Duane Coles final book.
RAY JOHNSON – Director, Marion, Indiana.
Ray grew up on a farm near Marion, Indiana & has had a life long interest in old airplanes, having a uncle who took him for his first ride in an Aeronca Defender. He received his private pilots license in 1980 & the same year joined EAA & the Vintage Airplane Association. He was honored with a Bronze Lindy in 1995 & then again in 1996 received Grand Champion Classic Aircraft with his 1947 Aeronca Chief (11AC).
Ray has attended every Oshkosh Convention since 1980. In 1991 he started the Fly/In Cruise/In held annually in Marion, Indiana, this year being the 25th consecutive Fly/In held there. This year will be the sixth year serving as Chairman of and conducting the daily “Vintage In Review” program at Vintage Interview Circle. Ray is retiring this year from American Electric Power after 42 years of service
Kathy McGurran – Director, Brighton, Colorado
Kathy was introduced to aviation when she was 3. Years later, she had her first ride in a Cessna 170, inspiring her life long passion for flying and vintage aircraft. Soon after, she purchased her own 1960 Cessna 150 which she flew to obtain her private pilot license. Kathy flew her C150 to her first EAA convention was 1997, flying along with friends in a C170 and a J-3 Cub. Camping in the Antique/Classic area, Kathy was parking airplanes the second day and has volunteered with Vintage every year since. Soon after receiving the Art Morgan Volunteer of the Year award, Kathy became a co-chairman of the Vintage Flightline Committee. Kathy works closely with Vintage and all other parking and leadership entities on the field every year to ensure safe and smooth operations throughout AirVenture.
After attending board meetings during her time as chairman, Kathy was appointed as an Advisor to the VAA Board. Through the Advisor position, with input from Flight Line Chairmen, several key initiatives have been presented to the VAA Board to improve flight line safety and membership parking during convention.
While managing her career in telecommunications, she completed her instrument rating and made many cross-country trips to Oshkosh. Most recently flying to Oshkosh was with two other women pilots in her Navion L-17. She is working on her tail-wheel endorsement in a recently acquired Piper PA-11. Kathy and her husband’s love of flying has led to many adventures in their airplane.
Kathy still serves as vice chairman of Vintage Parking and Safety. Her passion for aviation has led to volunteer opportunities, in the Denver area, at the Udvar-Hazy Smithsonian Museum, and flying missions with her husband for Pilots & Paws. Kathy credits her love of aviation to the many Antique/Classic and Vintage members who came before her and strives to continue carrying this message to the next generation.
STEVE NESSE – Director, Albert Lea, Minnesota
Steve was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and grew up on a farm near there. Having a deep interest in aviation, he received his private certificate in 1967. In 1975 he purchased a 1946 Navion from his father. After joining EAA in 1967 at Rockford, Steve has attended 43 consecutive EAA conventions.
A charter member of VAA Chapter 13, Steve has served as vice president and president of that chapter. Currently he serves as chairman of the Metal Shaping Workshop and Tall Pines Café at AirVenture. After serving two years as an advisor and later as a director, he has been serving as secretary of the Vintage Aircraft Association since 1991.
EARL NICHOLAS – Director, Libertyville, Illinois
Earl’s love of flying came from his parents who often took their children to airport fences to watch the planes. He began flying in college, but couldn’t afford to continue (at $14.00 per hour wet, including instructor). At the urging of his father he again took up flying at the Stick & Rudder Club at Waukegan Airport (UGN) and passed his private check ride in 1974.
Earl served as a board member of Stick & Rudder and later as its assistant treasurer, treasurer, and president. His first visit to the Oshkosh convention was for one day in 1981. He began camping and volunteering on the Vintage Flight Line the following year and joined Vintage in 1987. Earl has held many Vintage volunteer positions over the years including the Daily Aerogram, producing volunteer name tags and computer operations.
JOE NORRIS – Director, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Joe grew up on a cranberry farm in central Wisconsin. Several neighbors had light aircraft, and some had airstrips on their property, so it was always easy to be around airplanes and airplane people. A close friend of the family was ag pilot Jim Miles (EAA #158), who introduced Joe to EAA by taking him to Oshkosh for the EAA convention in 1970, where they camped under the wing of Jim’s Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser. Joe joined EAA in 1976 and became a lifetime member in 2002. Joe is also a lifetime member of VAA (VAA 5982). .
Joe earned his private pilot certificate in 1978, and bought his first airplane in 1979 – a 1955 Piper Tri-Pacer. He flew it for about a year and then converted it to PA-20 Pacer (tailwheel) configuration. Joe holds commercial pilot and flight instructor certificates with airplane and helicopter ratings, as well an A&P certificate with IA. Joe is also a Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR) for experimental aircraft.
Joe has owned a number of vintage aircraft over the years, including a Waco UPF-7, a Cessna 180,
Charlie Waterhouse – Director, Dayton, Ohio
Charlie’s involvement in aviation began at age 14 with a Young Eagles flight at the DeKalb County Airport (kGWB). Along with his father and younger brother, he started to get more involved with his local VAA chapter, and in 2010 he attended his first AirVenture where he found a passion for volunteering. He has since taken on the role of Vintage Forums and Type Club Chairman, as well as serves as a Vintage Youth Ambassador. He attended the EAA Air Academy in 2010 and 2012. During the summer of 2014, Charlie obtained his private pilot certificate, and in 2015, he was honored in the EAA Young Eagles Yearbook.
Charlie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at Purdue University and a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Dayton. He is currently employed by the United States Air Force as a Flight Technology Engineer within the F-16 Program Office, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. His work focuses on flight controls, flying qualities, aerodynamics, and flight performance. Charlie is also an Eagle Scout, loves the outdoors, and enjoys running in his free time. He’s currently pursuing his tailwheel endorsement and hopes to own a vintage aircraft someday.
Advisers to the Board of Directors
Marla Simon Boone – Adviser, Troy, Ohio
Marla had her first airplane ride when she was five years old and was hooked for life. After learning to fly in 1980 (the first year she attended Oshkosh), she added MEL, SES, CFII, and glider ratings. Having been involved with restorations of Taylorcraft, PA-20s, PA-22s, Cherokees, and WACOs, she earned her A&P and then I/A certificates. Marla retired from her anesthesia practice in 2013. She started volunteering at Oshkosh about twenty years ago, working the Vintage flight line. In 2009, she was thrilled to be asked to be a Vintage judge, contemporary division, a job she views as a true privilege. She is the 2008 recipient of AOPA’s Max Karant Award for Excellence in General Aviation Journalism. Marla considers herself lucky to have flown dozens of different aircraft and owned a Cessna 210 for thirty-two years. She currently is the caretaker for a 1957 Piper Tri-Pacer and a 1941 WACO.
Jesse Clement – Adviser, Louisville, Kentucky
Jesse grew up on his family’s farm north of Marion, Indiana with a long time interest in aviation. He began flying model aircraft with two local remote control clubs, and when he was fifteen years old he was invited on a EAA Young Eagles flight with Ray Johnson in his 1947 Aeronca Chief. Soon after the flight with Ray, Jesse began flight training in Aeronca Champs, Piper Cubs, and Cessna 172’s.
While in high school, his family was able to acquire a 1947 Piper J3 Cub which he flew to Oshkosh in 2017 for the 80th anniversary of the Piper Cub. He has attended AirVenture since 2013 and has volunteered multiple years with Vintage. Jesse is currently a flight instructor at Western Michigan University and an aspiring professional pilot.
AC Hutson – Adviser, Griffin, Georgia
Growing up in Columbus, MS, AC was eager to learn to fly from a very early age. He financed his flying lessons by selling fireworks, driving a school bus (while still in high school!), and working at the local airport. While in college he earned his Commercial, Instrument, Multi engine CFI & II certificates. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Industrial Arts Education. After college AC moved to Miami to fly Lockheed Electras and a Grumman G-1 before being hired by Delta Air Lines where he enjoyed a 40 year career.
AC is a longtime EAA and VAA member and has restored a 1939 Taylorcraft, a 1946 Aeronca Champ, a 1947 108 Stinson as well as working on and owning several other vintage airplanes.
He became an A&P in 1983 and later an IA. The Hatz Biplane he built won a Bronze Lindy in 2019.
It is important to AC to share the gift of aviation with young people. He was involved in the Candler Field Museum Youth Aviation Program (now known as the Ron Alexander Youth Aviation Program) as a mentor and flight instructor for 7 years. He and his wife Sue were the co-directors of that program for almost 3 of those years.
AC and Sue live on an airstrip near Griffin, GA where he is restoring a Piper PA-15 Vagabond and has a 1945 Stinson L-5 project waiting for restoration.
Luke Lachendro – Adviser, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Luke grew up in Wisconsin on a private airfield. He learned to fly in a Piper PA-16 Clipper and J3 Cub, soloed on his 16th birthday in a blizzard, and received his Private Pilot certificate at age 17. He has since accumulated hours in 48 different aircraft types and has given more than 200 rides through 950 flight hours. Luke was fortunate to grow up around airplanes and to have a father as a CFI. He is a 3rd generation pilot in his family and has a passion for introducing and reintroducing the joy of flight to any age group.
Luke earned a BBA in general management, emphasizing in healthcare management from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. He enjoys working as project controls for a construction company, and he is also a private aviation asset manager for a few clients. Luke is an avid volunteer for a few organizations that support general aviation. Through a successful career in the business world, he hopes to continue his efforts in giving back and paying it forward to a hobby he loves and enjoys every day.
Luke is passionate about the outreach of preservation, education, and commitment to giving people the chance and knowledge they need to be able to learn to fly or become interested in aviation. He appreciates the opportunity to continue to bridge the youth with the aviation community.
Vaughn Lovley – Adviser, Webster, Minnesota
Growing up in a flying family at Skypark Airpark in rural Jordan, Mn, Vaughn Lovley’s earliest memory as a child was a wing rib-stitching party hosted in his father’s restoration center in 1982 at the age of 3. The project being rushed to make a fly-in: NC6906, a 1928 Laird LCB-200 AKA “The Honeymoon Laird” that was once owned by Matty Laird himself, now owned and flown by Vaughn. Since then, he’s been hooked.
Vaughn is the third generation in the Lovley family with a pilot certificate, which he received in 1998. On the day he was born, his father Forrest (VAA 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee) purchased a Piper PA-11 (still in the family to date), which is the airplane Vaughn, his mother, younger brother, and numerous aviation friends have all learned to fly in. Since then, Vaughn has had the opportunity to solo 50 different vintage airplanes in type.
In addition to flying, Vaughn has also worked on many projects, including the restoration of a Mooney Mite with his father that is still in the family, an Oshkosh award-winning Piper PA-15 Vagabond that he still owns, WACO Cabins, and currently a Luscombe 8A. In addition to the Laird and PA-15, Vaughn also owns a Waco Cabin that has been a yearly Airventure gathering place for fellow antiquers, and an RV-8 that he uses to regularly travel to other fly-ins throughout the country. The airplanes are kept in his hangar at his home on the residential airport at Sky Harbor in Webster, Mn, and at his hangar at Le Sueur, Mn where he helps host and coordinate Marginal Aviation’s annual ‘First Ditch’ fly-in.
Over the years, Vaughn has worked in both the public and private sectors and thoroughly enjoys his employment and traveling as a director of sales and marketing at Lilja Corp, a general contractor based in CA, but working throughout North America. Ever the entrepreneur as well, Vaughn has been a successful nightclub DJ for going on 15 years, and is regularly fielding phone calls from fellow enthusiasts looking for old airplanes or old airplane parts.
His experience in sales, branding and marketing has carried over to many vintage aviation sectors to promote, fundraise, organize fly-ins, and grow interest with the younger generation. As one of the key members of Marginal Aviation, a stand-alone, independent, antique airplane organization in its own right based in Mn that was founded by friends and family in the 1970s, Vaughn has helped lead the charge in growth and serves as a trustee on the governing board and has been instrumental in bringing it to its now status as a 501(c)(3) non-profit and rapid national growth.
Vaughn wishes value, strength and success across all aviation organizations and genres and is honored and excited to be a part of the VAA leadership. He looks forward to helping VAA and its members continue the heritage of vintage aviation along with contributing to the growth of the organization.
KEVIN McKENZIE – Advisor, Riverside, California
Kevin McKenzie got airplane fever early – his first flight was a $5 Discover Flying introductory flight he talked his way into as a 10-year-old. Kevin starts flight lessons at 15, paid for lessons with after school jobs, soloed on his 16th birthday, and became a Private Pilot at 17 – before he had a Driver’s License. He has been flying for 45 years and has a Commercial License with ASMEL and Instrument Ratings and a DC-3 Pilot in Command Type Rating.
Virtually all of Kevin’s fight time has involved general aviation vintage aircraft, and the majority of his flight time is in the PT-17 Stearman, N3N, the Ed Marquart MA-5 Charger sport biplane, and the DC-3.
Kevin has been an EAA member since 1981. Kevin has been a Trustee at the Tom Wathen Center and Flabob Airport in Riverside, California for almost 15 years and is active as an instructor in The Wathen Center youth aviation education programs.
Kevin is a graduate of Cal Lutheran and USC, and has worked as a practicing attorney in southern California for 33 years, including over 25 years defending aircraft accident cases.
Maxwell Wenglarz – Adviser, San Pierre, Indiana
The fascination of antique aircraft began at an early age for Maxwell. He grew up in a northwestern Indiana town of San Pierre where there were little to no antique airplanes being built. His father’s involvement in the WACO community aided in the first steps of becoming heavily involved in the antique aircraft world. Maxwell’s father happened to be very good friends with Jerry Brown and Tom Flock. Jerry Brown’s 1942 WACO UPF-7 formed the first building block for Maxwell at the age of four years old. As time passed, Maxwell received his first airplane ride in a 1934 WACO YKC owned by Doug Parsons. While in fourth grade, Maxwell began construction of his first airplane, a Pietenpol Sky Scout. Throughout his middle and high school career, he would work at the family business Wing’s Metal Works where they hand craft sheet metal for antique airplanes and cars. He had earned his Private Pilot License at the age of 17 in his last year of high school before graduating a year early in high school and attended Ivy Tech Community College where he would later graduate as Magna Cum Laude with a certificate in Machine Tool Technology. Maxwell also worked part time at the Porter County Airport maintaining aircraft for his Airframe and Powerplant License. Now 20 years old, he is a director for the American Waco Club and a member of both the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Vintage Aircraft Association. Maxwell now owns a 1939 WACO VKS-7, 1940 WACO UPF-7, and Pietenpol Sky Scout. He hopes to keep these airplanes flying for as long as he can and provide any help throughout the antique aircraft community.
Directors Emeritus
DAVID BENNETT – Director Emeritus, Lincoln, California
Dave was interested in aircraft of all kinds in his childhood years. He and a close friend spent countless hours wandering around the Pontiac Airport as well as building model aircraft. Through the years the model aircraft changed to full-size as Dave helped build a couple of home built airplanes. Professional career and family duties made it tricky to arrange consistent time for flight lessons. A flight instructor was located who would fly at 6:00 a.m.-providing flight training before going to the office in the morning. Dave first volunteered at Convention in the early ’80s with his son Scott. He has done many volunteer jobs through the years. Currently he chairs the Chapters and Membership booth. Dave’s professional career is in the field of electronics. In the U.S. Navy he was a FTG2 Fire Control Technician. He retired from Hewlett Packard after 30 years, and is now working on microwave amplifiers at Teledyne Electronics Technologies. Dave’s home is just a short walk from the Lincoln, California (LHM) Regional Airport where airplane noise is still considered “music”.
BOB BRAUER – Director Emeritus, Chicago, Illinois
Bob received a degree in electrical engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1971 and served as a plane captain in P2V Neptune aircraft for the US Navy Reserve at NAS Glenview from 1958 until his honorable discharge in 1962. He joined EAA in 1972 and the Antique/Classic Division (Vintage Aircraft Association) in 1975 after volunteering to work on Convention and pre-Convention flight line duties. He was appointed advisor to the Division Board in 1986 and elected a Director in 1988.
Bob served as Chairman of the VAA Chapter Membership and Information operations during EAA AirVenture until 1998. He continues to serve as Director Emeritus and as Chairman of VAA Convention Facilities Maintenance. By profession Bob is an electrical engineer. In addition to VAA involvement, he has served as an officer for several years in EAA Chapter 260 as Secretary and Treasurer, and is currently Vice President of VAA Chapter 26 in Lansing, Illinois. Bob holds a private license with an instrument rating.
JERRY BROWN – Director Emeritus, Greenwood, Indiana
As a member of EAA and VAA since 1983, Jerry has served as an Antique Classic Judge since 1999 and has received his 50 mission Young Eagles pin. He received a Bronze Lindy in 1991 and again in 1998 as VAA Customized Antique Champion. Since his retirement in 1989, he has worked full time restoring WACOs. He is involved with most phases of the restoration process including engines and airframes. He emphasizes the importance of having younger enthusiasts participate in restoration work by providing hands-on experience for them in his WACO shop.
Jerry is a member of EAA Chapter 729 and served as Treasurer of the American Waco Club for 16 years. Jerry is a private pilot, SEL, MEL with 3,000 plus hours in single engine airplanes, 1,000 of which is with conventional gear. His business and community service includes 25 years as founder and CEO in plastics manufacturing and the custom sportswear business as well as serving on the Board of Trustees of Franklin College.
DAVE CLARK – Director Emeritus, Plainfield, Indiana
As a child, Dave built almost every type of flying model airplane. Dave learned to fly in J-3 Cubs in 1958 in Indianapolis, where he and his wife, Wanda, moved so he could attend pharmacy school at Butler University. He has owned an Aeronca Chief, an Aeronca Scout, and two Tri-Pacers. Dave has been working on and restoring airplanes since 1969. Currently he is restoring his 1946 Aeronca Chief. After his retirement, he enrolled as a student in the Vincennes University Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) program in Indianapolis and graduated in 2005. He is now an A&P instructor there.
For five years Dave served as the president of the Hendricks County Board of Aviation Commissioners to build a new airport, (2R2) which opened in December of 2001. Dave attended two EAA conventions in Rockford and has attended all but two fly-ins in Oshkosh. He served as a judge of the antique aircraft category for 25 years, served as co-chairman of Antique Judging, Chief Judge, and Vice President of Vintage.
PHILIP COULSON – Director Emeritus, Lawton, Michigan
Phil had a great love for airplanes as a child, his interest included building airplane models. His first ride in an airplane was at the age of 16 in a Fairchild PT-23. Twenty years later, that same pilot, Horace Sackett, was Phil’s guiding light in restoring his 1930 Waco INF. Phil learned to fly in 1962. His original dual instruction and solo flying was in a Piper J-5. He and his wife Ruthie are lovers of Wacos and greatly enjoy flying their 1932 Waco UBA. Phil’s military career consisted of four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
Phil is a lifetime EAA member and began attending the EAA Convention in Rockford, IL in 1962. Phil is currently President of the American Waco Club, Inc. He was appointed Advisor to the Antique/Classic board in 1985 and served in that capacity until 1987 when he was elected Director. Phil has been a volunteer at the Conventions since 1973, serving in various capacities—currently as Antique Judge. He is retired from a lifetime of surveying and engineering projects. The Coulsons live in Lawton, MI.
RON FRITZ – Director Emeritus, Kent City, Michigan
Ron’s interest in airplanes goes back to 1945 when his parents took him to the Muskegon County Airport for his first exposure to airplanes. His first formal instruction was in a Piper J-3 at Wayland, MI in 1957 when he was a freshman in high school. He purchased a Ryan PT-22 and restored it in 1964. His next plane was a 1933 Waco UIC. Ron had the good fortune to be invited to, what turned out to be, the first organizational meeting of what was to become the Antique/Classic Division of EAA.
Ron served on the first Board of Directors until 1974. He came back onto the board in 1978 as an Advisor and came up through Director and eventually Secretary. Ron resigned from the board in 1988. During that time he served as History of Flight Chairman and then A/C Forums Chairman until he resigned from those. In Michigan Ron was very active in antique activities and knew most of the classic airplane owners in the state. He organized A/C Chapter 8 and served as its first president.
BOB LUMLEY – Director Emeritus, Brookfield, Wisconsin
A native of Athens, Georgia, Bob retired as vice president of a Milwaukee-based construction firm. He soloed in 1968 in a Piper PA-11 and holds a commercial pilot certificate. Bob is a lifetime EAA and Vintage Aircraft Association member. He’s also a charter member of VAA Chapter 11 in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
As a volunteer since 1981, Bob has designed and managed the construction of additions to the iconic Vintage Red Barn, the Vintage Hangar, as well as other Vintage buildings. For years Bob also managed the Red Barn Gift Shoppe. Bob was also a volunteer at Pioneer Airport, participating in its Young Eagles program with more than 300 missions. He serves as Santa for the EAA AirVenture Museum “Christmas In The Air” program and is on the Vintage Nominating Committee. Bob currently serves as Chairman of Vintage Pioneer Video during AirVenture. In 2009 Bob was a recipient of EAA’s President’s Award.
TIM POPP – Director Emeritus, Sun City, Arizona
Tim joined EAA in 1988 and is now a lifetime member. He began taking flying lessons and attended his first EAA Convention that same year and has attended every convention since. Tim earned his private pilot’s license in 1989 and later added a tail wheel endorsement and an instrument rating. He joined VAA in 1994 about the time he began volunteering with the VAA Contemporary Aircraft Judges and currently serves as the vice-chairman of the group. He owns a 1958 Cessna 172, which he purchased in 1994 and has slowly restored over the years. He is currently building a Van’s Aircraft RV-7.
Tim is a past president of EAA Chapter 221 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He is an active Young Eagle program participant having flown more than 500 Young Eagles over the years. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and is an Environment, Health & Safety manager for a major pharmaceutical company. He has been happily married for over twenty-five years to his wife Liz, who also actively volunteers with the VAA. .