Organizers of the Texas Fly-In (aka the Southwest Regional Fly-In) in Hondo, Texas, have decided to cancel future events. According to a letter to volunteers and directors also emailed to AVweb, they say they believe that EAA will no longer allow regional fly-ins to use its name as part of the shows’ branding, nor will it cover them under its insurance. EAA spokesman Dick Knapinski told AVweb the relationship between EAA and the fly-ins was discussed a few months ago with organizers of the fly-ins but he said the statement released by the Texas group “did not accurately reflect those discussions.” He said the top priority is to strengthen the fly-ins as individual events but EAA is still supporting the events. “Part of the discussion was finding way to make these fly-ins viable for the long term for both EAA and the local groups that organize them, in light of the changing needs for facilities, volunteers, insurance and other items,” he said. He also said no firm decisions have been made based on the most recent discussions. Texas volunteer Mark Stull, who emailed the statement on behalf of President Stan Shannon told AVweb he believes other fly-ins will also fold. In the letter Shannon said there were other factors in the decision to cancel next years event. He said its tougher to get volunteers and attendance has been dwindling. The organization has money in the bank and intends to focus its attention of supporting youth in aviation through a scholarship program.
