Who We Are

Our members include pilots, mechanics and non-pilots. The EAA Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA) brings together people from around the world who share a common interest in the aircraft of yesteryear. Plain and simple, we are all lovers of vintage aircraft.

We are the largest organization in the world dedicated to the preservation and restoration of vintage aircraft.

This common bond is sustained by our local chapters, activities, and publications. Our beautiful full-color magazine, Vintage Airplane, is published six times per year and is a major member benefit.

Since we were established in 1971, the VAA has been working to keep aviation history alive.

Once each year we gather in July at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI.

Known to us simply as “OSHKOSH,” our annual AirVenture convention brings together over 1,000 vintage aircraft each year, more than 500 volunteers, and thousands of members, families and guests.

Not only is AirVenture the largest aviation event of its kind in the world, for us it is a giant one-week extended family reunion.

Join VAA

Originally known as the Antique/Classic Division of EAA, the Vintage Aircraft Association has the support of the internationally renowned Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). The strength of EAA helps Vintage further the causes of vintage aviation.

We invite you to browse these pages, learn more about who we are, and consider joining us as a member of the Vintage Aircraft Association.

Our mission is to encourage and aid the retention and restoration of antique, historical, classic, and contemporary aircraft, and to improve aviation safety and education.

We work to fulfill our mission through the following activities:

  1. Provide a rich and inspiring presence at EAA AirVenture OSHKOSH each year with over 500 Vintage Volunteers and more than 1000 vintage aircraft.
  2. Encourage and aid the retention and restoration of historical Antique, Classic and Contemporary aircraft;
  3. Host meetings, displays and educational programs relating to aviation with emphasis on restoration, maintenance and care of historical Antique, Classic and Contemporary aircraft;
  4. Improve aviation safety and aviation education;
  5. Band together those persons interested in historical Antique, Classic and Contemporary aircraft for their mutual pleasure, recreation and education.

Our Member Volunteers

The heart of Vintage is our volunteers … from the person parking airplanes on the Vintage flightline at AirVenture – to our local chapter members – to our directors and officers – all volunteers. Vintage Volunteers, some of them who work year-round and around the world, are the engine that keeps our dream aloft.

During our annual EAA AirVenture OSHKOSH convention, regional fly-ins and local chapter activities, hundreds of members donate their time and energy to ensure that all members, family and guests enjoy themselves. In the process, we find a new and sometimes surprising benefit of volunteerism … meeting our fellow volunteers and creating a large extended family. For many of us it’s not just the airplanes that bring us back to Oshkosh each year, but the many friends we’ve made as we work side-by-side.

Our Local Chapters

Local VAA Chapters whose members are active restorers and enthusiasts work to keep vintage aircraft in the air and flying for the pleasure and education of themselves and the public at large.

Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame

Each year the VAA recognizes one person who has contributed greatly to aviation. Their contribution could be in the areas of flying, design, mechanical or aerodynamic developments, administration, writing, or some other vital, relevant field; or any combination of fields that support aviation.