The flight home began early on the last day of AirVenture. Andy Werback took the active runway, advanced the throttle and headed west. In the eight+ hours of flying it would take to get back to his home in Sebastopol, one has to wonder how many times he glanced at the Gold Lindy trophy near him and smiled. Grand Champion Kit Built. Among the hundreds of homebuilts at AirVenture, Andy’s stood out. Somehow all the toil and trouble seemed like it was worth it. It’s like winning the Oscar for Best Picture — maybe better because of the challenges it places on one person. Andy’s in rare company, being one of a couple dozen kit builders who have taken home the award. Of the 30,000 Experimental Amateur Built aircraft on the FAA Registry, the few who have won Grand Champion status really have something to their credit as craftsmen.
EAAs Grand Champion Award is a tribute to achievement, to passion and commitment. It’s recognition for someone who’s attention to detail is a magnitude of order above the rest of us. It’s a reflection of impeccable taste and consistency that raises refinement to a level of enviable artistry.
