The Antique Airplane Association, Inc. (AAA) is the oldest antique airplane association in the world. The AAA formed in August 1953 by Robert L. Taylor,"Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame: Inductees - 1994 - Robert L. Taylor." Iowa Aviation Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2010. . via a classified ad in Flying magazine"What's the difference between the AAA and the APM?." Antique Airfield. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2010. . and a few people with a deep-seated interest in old airplanes, for the purpose to fly, to preserve, to share and to promote the early flying machines. The AAA operates from

Antique Airfield Antique Airfield is a private use airfield located three miles northeast of Blakesburg, Iowa. Antique Airfield is owned and operated by Robert L. Taylor and the Airpower Museum. It is the home of the Antique Airplane Association The Antique Airp ...

Blakesburg, Iowa Blakesburg is a city in Wapello County, Iowa, United States. The population was 274 at the 2020 census. History Blakesburg was laid out in 1852. It was named for one of its founders, Theophilus Blake. Geography Blakesburg's longitude and latitu ...

and serves as the headquarters for its 50 chapter organizations and 7000 members from throughout the United States and 20 foreign countries. Founder and president of the national Antique Airplane Association as well as current Chairman of the Board of the closely affiliated Airpower Museum Inc., Taylor states on the national club website "At that time (1953) no other association existed that had a specific interest in antique and classic airplanes. No aviation historical groups had yet been formed. The AAA was organized to "Keep the Antiques Flying" and this basic premise has always been our main interest and primary function. We do provide our membership with aviation history and memories of the important parts our own members have played in this fascinating subject.""Antique Aircraft Association." Antique Airfield. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 June 2010. .

History

The AAA of the late 50s was incorporated by Ken Cook, at the time serving as the AAA vice president. During this time Cook published a new version of the ''AAA News'' and would later rename it the ''American Airman'' magazine. In 1961, Cook withdrew his involvement with the AAA. In the 1960s, the remaining parts stock for LeBlond aircraft engines were sold to the AAA. There are a few parts left, but mostly what's left are engine drawings."Rearwin Aircraft Engines." PilotFriend. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June 2010. . In 1970 the AAA Board of Directors approved the necessary changes required of the AAA in order to be chartered as a non-profit corporation in the state of Iowa and has operated as such since that time.

References

Aviation organizations based in the United States Non-profit organizations based in Iowa History of aviation 1953 establishments in the United States Organizations established in 1953