November 12, 2026 – Hartford, Wi – A longtime dedication to preserving aviation history has earned Hartford, Wisconsin’s Tom Brown a place among some of the most respected names in recreational aviation.
Brown was among six individuals honored Nov. 11, 2026, during the EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame induction ceremony and dinner at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh. He was inducted into the Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the preservation and advancement of vintage aviation.
The honor places Brown among individuals selected by their peers for their achievements and contributions to aviation. The EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame recognize people who embody the organization’s spirit of aviation, craftsmanship, education and community.
According to the EAA’s biography of Brown, his interest in antique and vintage airplanes started when he was young. He and his father took on a project involving a Corvair-powered Pietenpol, an experimental homebuilt airplane.
That airplane has since become something of a piece of aviation history itself. EAA identifies it as the highest-time Pietenpol still flying, with more than 1,650 hours recorded on its tachometer.
That early project helped launch a lifelong interest in vintage aircraft and the craftsmanship required to bring aging airplanes back into flying condition.
Brown eventually became known for his aircraft restoration work under the name Brown Aero in Unity, Wisconsin. His work has included a wide variety of vintage airplanes, several of which earned recognition at EAA competitions and air shows.
One documented project was the restoration of an Alexander Eaglerock, a classic biplane built by the Alexander Aircraft Company. Brown was recommended for the challenging project because of his reputation for talent and persistence. The restoration involved substantial reconstruction, including rebuilding the wings and fabricating landing gear components.
Another example of his work was a Command-Aire 3C-3, restored by Brown and displayed at EAA Oshkosh in 1996. The airplane was featured on the cover of the November 1996 issue of Vintage Airplane magazine.
His work also included restoring a Pasped Skylark to its original factory configuration. That airplane received the Antique-Bronze Age Champion trophy at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2002.
These projects illustrate the type of detailed work involved in vintage aircraft restoration. It is more than making an old airplane look good. Restorers must understand the original construction, locate or reproduce hard-to-find components, rebuild structural elements and preserve the character of the aircraft while returning it to airworthy condition.
The EAA’s recognition of Brown extends beyond the airplanes he has restored himself.
The organization specifically noted his willingness to take on difficult restoration projects and help other members with their aircraft.
That willingness to share his knowledge and craftsmanship is an important part of the Vintage Aircraft Association’s mission. The group brings together people interested in preserving antique and classic airplanes, sharing technical knowledge and keeping aviation history alive through flying aircraft.
Brown is listed in EAA records as member No. 24495 and Vintage Aircraft Association member No. 722555.
Brown was one of six inductees representing different areas of recreational aviation.
The other 2026 honorees were:
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Mike Blyth, Johannesburg, South Africa, EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame.
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Ronnie Smith, Lucedale, Mississippi, EAA Ultralights Hall of Fame.
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Ron and Diane Fagen, Granite Falls, Minnesota, Warbirds of America Hall of Fame.
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Mike Goulian, Plymouth, Massachusetts, International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame.
The EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame were established in the 1990s. More than 150 individuals have been recognized for their contributions to aviation.
About EAA
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 300,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.