AEA News Release

For more information, contact Geoff Hill,
AEA director of communications, at 816-347-8400 or geoffh@aea.net.
For immediate release:
February 21, 2014

Sean Tucker to Speak at 57th Annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn.

National Aviation Hall of Fame member will deliver keynote address during AEA Opening Session, sponsored by Universal Avionics Systems Corp.

LEE'S SUMMIT, MO., Feb. 21, 2014 – Sean D. Tucker, honorary chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program, will be the keynote speaker during the opening session at the 57th annual Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention & Trade Show.

The opening session is sponsored by Universal Avionics Systems Corp. and will take place Thursday, March 13, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., beginning at 8:30 a.m. CDT.

Tucker flies hard-charging, power aerobatics in his highly modified, one-of-a kind aerobatic dream machine sponsored by Oracle. Its revolutionary set of wings uses eight ailerons instead of four and sports a high-performance tail.

With more than 20,000 hours of flight time, Tucker started his flying career crop-dusting in modified Stearman biplanes. In 1975, he began competing, soon earning national recognition and coveted title of U.S. National Advanced Aerobatic Champion.

Now with more than 1,100 performances at more than 450 airshows, he has won numerous aerobatic competitions and received more than 18 prestigious awards, including induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2008.

Some of Tucker’s distinguished honors include the following:

• Honorary Chairman of the EAA Young Eagles Program
• Honorary Thunderbird, Blue Angel, Canadian Snowbird, Brazilian Smoke Squadron, Golden Knight
• 2011: Living Legends of Aviation — Aviation Inspiration & Patriotism Award
• 2010: General Charles E. Yeager International Aeronautical Achievements Award
• 2010: EAA's Freedom of Flight Award
• 2009: International Aviation Air and Space Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2008: National Aviation Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2007: Living Legend in Aviation Award
• 2007: International Council of Airshows Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2006: National Aeronautic Association Crystal Eagle Award
• 2003: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Named One of the 25 Living Legends of Flight
• 2001: USAF Gathering of Eagles Inductee
• 2000: World Airshow Federation Champion
• 2000: International Council of Airshows Sword of Excellence
• 1998–2001: Undefeated Champion of the Championship Airshow Pilots Association Challenge
• 1997: General Aviation News and Flyer Reader's Choice Award for Best Male Performer
• 1992: The Art Scholl Memorial Showmanship Award
• 1992: The Bill Barber Award for Airshow Showmanship
• 1988: U.S. National Advanced Aerobatic Champion

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Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents more than 1,300 member companies in 43 countries, including government-certified international repair stations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions.

 

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