This piece originally ran in the December 2025 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine.
Tim, EAA Lifetime 317633, and Liz, EAA Lifetime 1486815, Popp are a dynamic husband-and-wife team who have played a crucial role in the EAA community since their first Oshkosh fly-in in 1988. Their journey began with a rocky start when Liz declared she would never return after ’88, due to the intense heat and only having one day allotted to see everything. However, the fun Tim and his dad had in 1989, camping out and enjoying the event over several days, convinced Liz to give it another shot in 1990. She hasn’t missed a single year since.
Around 1993, Tim and Liz began volunteering, initially dedicating 10 days to working with vintage aircraft. Their commitment grew after Tim retired in 2020; now, they arrive in May and stay to October, living on the grounds, immersing themselves in their volunteer work. They have a reserved campsite in Audrey’s Park for the summer, far away from their hometown in Arizona.
Tim and Liz’s dedication is evident in the sheer number of hours they volunteer. Last year alone, Tim logged 850 hours, and Liz contributed 390 hours. Their work spans multiple areas, including Vintage, South Maintenance, Facilities, Convention Admin, and any other department that needs their help.
Tim’s craftsmanship ability plays an important part in his role as a volunteer, as he assists with projects ranging from building new information booths to creating museum displays using his carpentry and metalworking skills.
Tim’s passion for aviation runs deep. His father, a pilot who owned a Cessna 140, would use the airplane to pick up Tim’s mother for dates. Tim’s older brother also became a pilot. Growing up around aircraft and being inspired by his family, Tim earned his pilot certificate in 1989.
Liz, who was a car enthusiast before meeting Tim, has since found herself drawn into the world of aviation. She frequently flies with Tim, although she doesn’t have a pilot certificate herself. Her contributions to EAA are diverse, including landscaping, transportation, camper registration, and so much more. Liz’s enthusiasm for volunteering is clear: “Whatever they need me to do, if I can physically do it, I’ll do it. I don’t [mind].”
Tim and Liz’s passion for EAA is not just about the work; it’s about the community. “We wouldn’t want to miss coming back,” Tim said. “Seeing friends and people that we’ve worked with over the years, you catch up so quick, and it’s wonderful.” Liz added, “I always go back to my little village. It takes a village to make this happen, and I’m just happy to be part of that experience.”
Their work during AirVenture is particularly intense. Tim, who serves as the chairman of the classic judges in vintage, starts his day at 6 a.m. and works tirelessly until the job is done, and Liz is right there next to him. Their teamwork is a testament to their dedication and love for the event.
Their willingness to help, their passion for aviation, and their commitment is what makes them stand out. As Tim put it, “Anybody that comes [to AirVenture] the first time, they have no idea what they’re in for. And then when you start volunteering and you kind of find out all the things that go on behind the scenes to make it happen and to be a part of that, it’s just pretty incredible.”
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.