OSHKOSH — The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) now provides members with free access to Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS Student Design Kit – EAA Maker Edition software, MySolidWorks online video tutorials, the MySolidWorks Manufacturing Network, and related training and design resources.

“Since its humble beginnings in Paul and Audrey’s basement, EAA has inspired, enabled, and defended our members’ right to take a dream sketched on a napkin at the dinner table to first flight and beyond,” said Jack Pelton, EAA CEO/Chairman. “SOLIDWORKS is the industry standard for computer-aided design. Aircraft and kit manufacturers from Cirrus to Zenith are designing today’s aircraft in SOLIDWORKS, and now EAA members can get free access to this powerful tool.”

“We are passionate about making product design accessible to anyone with an idea and an insatiable desire to design it and build it. The Experimental Aircraft Association, whose members construct their own personal aircraft, shares our history of inspiring and enabling that desire in its members,” said Marie Planchard, Director of Education and Early Engagement, Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS.

In addition to providing SOLIDWORKS, EAA has developed a relationship with Graphics Systems Corp. (GSC), one of the largest SOLIDWORKS partners in the Midwest with several notable clients in the aerospace industry.

GSC will help EAA launch this new benefit by helping EAA build and train a group of EAA volunteers with SOLIDWORKS experience to answer member questions and provide assistance through a dedicated area in the EAA Forums.

GSC will also conduct training webinars throughout the year, and offer exclusive EAA member discounts on related products and services including training seminars, 3D printers, and 3D printing services.

EAA has developed a resource center on its website at EAA.org/SOLIDWORKS wher members can:

View hardware requirements;

Download SOLIDWORKS Student Design Kit – EAA Maker Edition;

Access SOLIDWORKS forums, videos, and recorded webinars;

Access MySolidWorks and the Manufacturing Network;

Upload/share SOLIDWORKS design files;

Obtain assistance on the EAA Forums;

Checkout related EAA news, information, webinars and videos; and

Access discounts on training, 3D printers, and related services from GSC