The Life of Paul Poberezhny

When it comes to aviation there are many factors that draw people in, whether it’s to explore the planet from a new perspective, to feel the freedom that is offered when you can overcome the bound of gravity, or simply just to get from point A to point B a little faster. Paul Poberezny was a man that sought all of this and much more. Through this essay you will learn how Poberezny fell in love with aviation at a young age, how this led to his career as an United States Army and Air National Guard aviator, what led to the creation of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the honors and awards he achieved, and how his life impacted the community of aviation.

In his early years, Poberezny was first drawn to aviation by reading stories about war heroes that flew in World War I. “The first time young Paul saw a real airplane was at night. He was so excited that he slept under its wing with the hope of seeing the craft during the day. ” (“Paul H. Poberezny: The Early Years”). Poberezny coming from a very poor family, would never have gotten the chance to fly if it were not for his high school history teacher Mr. Tangney who gifted him a Waco Primary Glider. This gift played a very important role in today’s aviation community because it set Poberezny’s life of aviation in motion. “At 15 years of age Paul had the rare experience of having both his first flight in any type of aircraft and his first solo flight at the same time. ” ("Paul H. Poberezny: The Early Years”). When he was 19 he borrowed $125 from his father to become co-owners with a friend of an American Eagle Biplane. This marked his move from glider style aviation into powered aviation.

Poberezny sought out a career in the US Army due to the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor. After already having over 200 hours of logged flight time he was immediately accepted into the war training service program. “Paul was 21 years old and found himself teaching military officers four or five years his senior to fly. ” (“Paul H. Poberezny: Into the War”). Shortly after Poberezny received his glider wing the glider pilot training school was canceled. This lead to him transferring to Helena, Arkansas as a civilian flying instructor. “After one year of instructing, he applied for and received a position of ferry pilot. During this time, he received a commission and service pilot wings. ” (“Poberezny, Paul Howard”). Performing operation as a ferry pilot allowed him to fly a large variety of airplanes. “This gave him the opportunity to become acquainted with what would become his lifelong favorite airplane, the C-47, the military version of the famous Douglas DC-3. ” (“Paul H. Poberezny: Into the War”). After the Korean War Poberezny went back to Milwaukee to be with his wife while still serving the country in the Air National Guard as a reservist.

The start of the Experimental Aircraft Association had begun when his wife, Audrey, “suggested that he get involved with a fledging group of local Milwaukee amateur airplane builders. ” (“Paul H. Poberezny: Setting the Stage for History”). Paul thought of this as just another flying club, little did he know that it would grow to the size it is today. The EAA started in the basement of Paul and Audrey’s house in Milwaukee. In 1953, the first fly-in was hosted. Even though there was less than 150 people and only 22 aircraft at the fly-in, it still showed that there was an interest in homebuilt and experimental type aircraft. By the time the EAA hosted its second fly in there was over 700 people in attendance, widely due to the popularity gained by many magazines. This growth in popularity was a struggle for Paul to handle. If it were not for his wife he might not have been able to keep up with it. During the two decades that Paul led the EAA it grew to be more than just a gathering of amateur aircraft builders. It transformed into a community that still draws in aviation enthusiasts from all over the world. With over 200,000 members and still growing, the EAA turned out to be more than Paul could have ever imagined.

Throughout Poberezny’s life he has achieved more than most people would think is possible. Through his life he flew over 500 different types of aircraft. During his military service he received all 7 aviation wings that were offered by the military at his time of service. Those wings included glider pilot, service pilot, rated pilot, liaison pilot, senior pilot, army aviator, and command pilot. Paul received the Duane and Judy Cole award, The Elder statesman of Aviation award, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, and was inducted into both the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame and the International Air & Space Hall of Fame.

Paul Poberezny left behind the foundation for an ever expanding community of aviation enthusiasts. Without Paul Poberezny aviation today would not be the same. His creative mind and dedication to home built aircraft has lead to the growth of experimental aircraft use to this day.

Paul Poberezny’s life was one of adventure, exploration, courage, and growth. His dedication to aviation from a young age paved his way for a life long career in aviation. Although he retired from the US Air National Guard he was no where near done flying. His devotion and love for flight led to the formation of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Through Poberezny’s life of aviation he has received many honors and awards to match his unparalleled enthusiasm of flight. Though his death on August 22, 2013 was a tragic loss, he brought together a large community of like minded individuals that will forever push the limits of aviation in his name.