Formed in 1953 by Robert L. Taylor (1924-2020), our motto then as now is “Keep the antiques flying”. Since its founding the AAA has steadfastly followed the core principle of being a by the members - for the members organization.
Over the last 70 years, the AAA has worked to support the owning, flying, restoration, and historical preservation of all things related to antique & classic aircraft.
The AAA has also been involved in matters that impact all of those involved in preserving and flying antique/classic aircraft, be they an AAA member or not. That impact has either directly, or in concert with other organizations, helped positive change in the regulatory environment since the 1960’s.
Of course one of the major reasons people are attracted to the AAA is the annual AAA/APM Invitational Fly-in, held at Antique Airfield (IA27) near the town of Blakesburg in SE Iowa. This Fly-in is unique among aviation events, being held on a private airport that replicates a typical airport of the 1920’s & 30’s, with a grass runway, and period looking hangars. The event specializes in encouraging attendees to fly and share their aircraft throughout the Labor Day weekend, with no airshow or agenda other than watching vintage aircraft fly throughout the day....and they do !
Antique Airfield is also home to our affiliate organization the Air Power Museum Inc, and their collection of aircraft, displays and the Mike Gretz Library of Flight.
So if you are an old airplane devotee, and all the above sounds interesting, we’d be happy to have you join with us to help “Keep the antiques flying”.
