This piece originally ran in the August 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine.
Craig Olson, EAA 116636, is the chairman of the Emergency Aircraft Repair team at AirVenture, a team dedicated to helping aircraft owners with minor repairs while in Oshkosh. EAR got its start in 1962 when EAA Chapter 75 members suggested to founder Paul Poberezny that they set up a small tent with tools that pilots could borrow in the event of a surprise issue. This small tent has morphed into a whole building that assists more than 200 people each AirVenture.
Craig caught the aviation bug from his bush pilot uncle and started flying himself in the 1970s. He’s since earned his commercial certificate, instrument and seaplane ratings, and just a few years ago, even his A&P/IA mechanic certificate. “I definitely got [my A&P/IA] later in life, and unlike most folks, I didn’t go to a school,” he said.
Rather than the traditional route of a technical school, Craig learned the ropes through the years. “I bought my first airplane, it was a ’46 Champ, in 1978, and I just assisted with annuals and enjoyed doing owner-assisted annuals and working side by side with mechanics,” he said. He managed to document all the required hours, pass the exams, and got letters of recommendation from the inspectors he’s worked with. “It’s satisfying to work on airplanes. I’d have to admit, I like flying them more, but it’s fun working on them, too.”
Craig’s first visit to an Oshkosh fly-in was in 1979, and now he’s been volunteering for more than 20 years. He joined the EAR team about 10 years ago and was handed the chairman torch last year.
The week prior to AirVenture, about 40 EAA Chapter 75 members load up their trailers and caravan from Iowa to Oshkosh, bringing all the tools they’ll need to be prepared for just about anything. Hi-Line Inc. even generously donated a large number of tools to the group. “All the types of things that routinely are needed as you’re fixing or maintaining aircraft,” Craig said. “We haul up a lot of specialty tools that most folks might not even have at home in a hangar, let alone have with them at Oshkosh.”
In addition to having the right tools on hand, the EAR team makes regular trips outside of the AirVenture grounds in search of unique parts or major repairs, driving the aircraft owner wherever they need. Among the 40-some crew are a few A&P mechanics like Craig, though there’s more to Emergency Aircraft Repair than aircraft repair. “We think people skills are probably as or more important than the technical skills. Somebody’s put their blood, sweat, and tears into building a homebuilt or restoring a classic … so we can help fix the ego while we’re fixing their airplane.”
Back in Iowa, EAA Chapter 75 also mentors high school students through aircraft builds and hosts many Young Eagles and Scout events. “I’ve been a recipient of so much in aviation for so many years, and now I’ve got the time and the ability to give some back,” Craig said. “Sharing your passion for aviation and hopefully seeing some light bulbs come on or seeing the enthusiasm grow. Having one of our RV-12 builders say, ‘I’m going to go into aeronautical engineering next year when I graduate from high school.’ It’s incredibly satisfying.”
“I’m in awe of all the volunteers and all that they’ve done, and all that I’ve learned from them,” Craig expressed. “It’s a real treat to be associated with them.”
Volunteers make EAA AirVenture Oshkosh — and just about everything else EAA does — possible. This space in EAA Sport Aviation is dedicated to thanking and shining the spotlight on volunteers from the community. Sadly, it cannot capture all of the thousands of volunteers who give so much to the community every year. So, next time you see a volunteer at AirVenture or elsewhere, however they are pitching in to make EAA better, be sure to thank them for it. It’s the least we can do. Do you know a volunteer you’d like to nominate for Volunteer Spotlight? Visit EAA.org/Submissions.