August 1, 2009 - Oshkosh, Wisconsin  - EAA AirVenture Oshkosh witnessed yet another launch of a new program targeted at promoting general aviation and increasing the pilot population.

Thursday brought the unveiling of International Learn to Fly Day in a joint announcement involving EAA President and Chairman Tom Poberezny, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) President and CEO Craig Fuller, REMOS GmbH CEO Corbin Huber, NAFI Executive Director Jason Blair, and others.

International Learn to Fly Day is meant to raise interest in flying and encourage current pilots to get others involved in aviation.

“We’re always looking for new ways to attract people to flying,” said Fuller.

“Let’s spread that passion. It’s all about the flying and the experience,” said Blair.

International Learn to Fly Day is a cooperative effort of pilots, companies, governments, and organizations in countries around the world.

Specific events to punctuate International Learn to Fly Day are in the planning stage.

“It’s a focus that allows us to bring our resources together,” said Poberezny.

The inaugural event is planned for May 15, 2010, with the intention of making it an annual event.

“You don’t have to ask if it will be successful; it will be successful,” said Poberezny.