You are invited to EAA Chapter 179’s Annual Christmas Gathering It will be held at Tomasita’s Mexican Restaurant Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 5:30 – 7:30pm
Check out the Special Menu here (pdf download)
A large private room with cozy fireplace awaits us at the centrally located Tomasita’s in Albuquerque. Come out for a casual social gathering and no host dinner. They have prepared a special menu for us. Guests welcome!
Each year this event offers a fun evening to mingle with fellow aviation enthusiasts and reflect on our terrific year.
Optional gift exchange – those who bring a gift may receive a gift. $15 or under, please. Not required – you can just come for the food, holiday spirit, and camaraderie!
Directions (link to map): Exit I-25 at Jefferson, take southbound frontage road (Pan American Freeway) to just south of Pappadeaux’s. It is at the corner of Office Blvd NE. Turn right to parking.
The address is 4949 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque, NM
Awards were given for aircraft in 6 categories plus Most Distant Flyin and Grand Champion. Pilots opted to have their aircraft included in the judging when they registered. An award was also given for the People’s Choice, based on ballots cast by visitors to LOEFI 2023.
A team of Chapter members then appraised each aircraft, considering appearance and other subjective considerations. Judging took place between 0830 and 1130.
Attendees were given the opportunity to cast a ballot for the “People’s Choice” award.
Based on information provided by the pilots when they registered, the award for “Most Distant Flyin” was given to the pilot from most distant home airport in ‘air miles’.
Trophies were presented on stage to the award winners at 1330. (Trophies will be mailed to any not present.)
A framed photo of the winning aircraft will also be provided honoring their recognition as winners at LOEFI 2023.
Congratulations 2023 Award Winners
Award
Recipient
Aircraft
Tail #
Best Plans Built
Martin DiStefano
Steen Skybolt
N117JR
Best Kit Built
Tom Dollmeyer
Glassair Super II FT
N59CL
Best Contemporary
Michael McCann
Cessna 206 Stationair
N5716J
Best Classic
Larry Shapnek
Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
N4159M
Best LSA/Trike
Janet Crosby
Zlin Savage iCub – LSA
N3311
Best Warbird
Phil Phillips
L-19 Birddog
N219TH
Most Distant Fly-In
William Wright
Cessna C-172 Skyhawk
N35627
People’s Choice
Rodney Jarrell
Vans RV-10
N104AZ
Grand Champion
Rodney Jarrell
Vans RV-10
N104AZ
Honorable Mention
Mike Paxson
P-51 Pedal Plane
413984
LOEFI 2023 Award Winners
Grand Champion – Vans RV-10 N104AZ – Rodney Jarrell
Most Distant Flyin – Cessna C-172 Skyhawk N35627 – William Wright
Best Kit Built – Glassair Super II FT N59CL – Tom Dollmeyer
Best Plans Built – Steen Skybolt N117JR – Martin DiStefano
Best Warbird – L-19 Bird Dog N219TH – Phil Phillips
Best Light Sport – Zlin Savage iCub N3311-LSA – Janet Crosby
Best Contemporary Airplane – Cessna 206 Stationair N5716J – Michael McCann
Best Classic Airplane – Pipe PA-12 Super Cruiser N4159M – Larry Shepken
Honorable Mention – P-51D Pedal Plane 413984 – Mike Paxson
Again this year, thanks go out to all the pilots who joined in the aircraft judging. And to the Members who volunteered to be judges for this traditional activity of LOEFI for many years.
Hello EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!
The September 2023 Chapter Gathering is scheduled for Tuesday, September 19th Join us – in person!
5:30 PM — Potluck Dinner at Double Eagle Maintenance Facility
6:15PM — Program: The “Windmill Plane” by Mark Wilson
Twenty years after the Wright Brothers had their first flight, the Gyrocopter was flying. Come celebrate its 100th anniversary this year. Join Mark Wilson where he will have his modern two place enclosed Gyrocopter at the meeting for you to learn more. This aircraft is vastly different from the “Flying Lawnmower” of yesterday and the James Bond movies. Mark will talk about the history of this “grandaddy” of the Helicopter and answer the question, is it really stall proof? He’ll also share a personal story of making the “impossible turn” possible.
POTLUCK NOTE: A surprise dessert will be provided – consider bringing a main course or side dish.
Where: City Maintenance Facility at Double Eagle II Airport, next to the Control Tower. 7401A Atrisco Vista Blvd NW; Albuquerque
Directions: Take I-40 or Paseo del Norte westbound to Atrisco Vista Blvd and follow airport signs.
Once on the Airport road, there is a stop sign before turning left to the main airport parking lot, DON’T TURN LEFT.
Proceed straight through the gate towards the Control Tower. Park in front of the 1st building on the left, marked 7401A. We’ll be in the south maintenance bay. Look for EAA signs.
Monthly Chapter Gatherings offer time to network, with programs centered on exchanging experiences and ideas about aviation – airplanes, flying, and flying activities – rather than the chapter business which is addressed in bimonthly Board meetings. We hope to see you there!
Join our community of pilots and members of EAA 179 and other New Mexico chapters for a day of checking out other pilots’ airplanes, browsing the exhibit hall and attending seminars, and sharing your passion for flying and aviation with other pilots and the public.
Seminars: Flying the New Mexico Backcountry (0830-0945, WINGS) and How to Communicate w/Confidence and Clarity – Wendy Smith, ABQ Air Traffic Controller (1015-1130, WINGS) – see schedule.
Camping: Camping for fly-in pilots will be available Friday and Saturday nights, located on the north ramp and in an adjacent grass area on the airfield. See below for details. Friday night cookout by EAA 179 on the field for campers.
Aircraft Awards: Best Plans Built; Best Kit Built, Contemporary (1971 – present); Classic (prior to 1971); LSA/Trike; Warbird; Most Distant Fly-in, People’s Choice; LOEFI Grand Champion (judge’s choice). Presentation 1230-1300.
Pilots – FLYING IN
Check Airport Data (SkyVector) . Note taxiway changes since 2018 which require crossing runway 22/04 from runway 17/35.
Inbound: Listen to AWOS on 119.025.
On first call, give distance and direction from airport. NOTE: tower controllers now have radar!
If arriving just for the Fly-In, after landing tell Double Eagle Ground that you are “going to the Fly In”. Expect to taxi to parking in the tie-down area on the north ramp. See the airport diagram (.PDF).
Parking, fuel, and Fly-in Registration:
Camping arrivals – you may park in the grass area (at own risk) just west of North Ramp (see Ramp Map) or in the North Ramp tie down area.
Parking in front of Bode FBO is reserved for transient aircraft. Double Eagle II Airport information: Airnav
Bode FBO will provide fuel off truck at self serve price. Fuel island will be closed.
Tie downs are limited; please bring chocks and ropes.
Outbound: Accessing runway 17/35 from the ramp requires crossing runway 22/04. Also, there are new run up areas at both Runway 22 and Runway 17. Contact ground before proceeding FROM runup areas TO the runway unless otherwise instructed. If you have questions, contact the Tower.
Pilots – STAYING A NIGHT, Friday and/or Saturday?
If you are staying over in Albuquerque, ask for special “Bode Aviation” rates at Rio Grande Best Western. Rental cars ARE available on prior request via Bode Aviation FBO.
On-field Camping for Pilots and Crew – Airplane camping is available on the field (KAEG) Friday & Saturday nights
Upon arrival, tell Ground Control that you are here for LOEFI and camping, for directions to the camping area. See event ramp map.
Bring your tent and airplane tie-down stakes and ropes! Camping area is the grass area adjacent to the north ramp and on the north ramp itself. See ramp map.
Fly-In Cookout Friday night, hosted by EAA Chapter 179. Grills available Saturday night or Ground Transportation arranged through the FBO or on request.
Food trucks open for the Fly-In, 0700-1500
Bode’s Bombing Range Café on the field open 0800 – 1400 Fri, Sat, & Sunday
Two general areas will be set up for aircraft displays – a Showcase area for featured aircraft in front of the hangar, and the north ramp for Visiting Aircraft. See event ramp map.
Upon arrival, please stop by the Pilot Registration tent for a goodie bag and if to be judged, specify the award category.
Here is the schedule of activities of special interest for pilots (and crewmembers). Note in particular the WINGS Seminars. Check here for the complete Schedule of Activities and Exhibitors.
0830 – 0945 • WINGS Safety Seminar – “Flying the New Mexico Backcountry” – Ron Keller, NMPA
1015 – 1130 • WINGS Safety Seminar – “How to Communicate w/Confidence and Clarity” – Wendy Smith, ABQ Air Traffic Controller
1100 • Aircraft Judging closes, People’s Choice ballots due
1230 – 1300 • Aircraft Awards Presentation, EAA 179
Food trucks on hand for Saturday breakfast and lunch, 0700 – 1500
Continuing our tradition, we present awards with winners determined by our panel of judges or voted on by the visiting public. Categories:
For Judging: Best Plans Built, Best Kit Built, Best Contemporary (1971 to present), Best Classic (prior to 1971), Best Warbird
Public Voting: People’s Choice (closes at 1130)
Special: Most Distant Fly-In
Grand Champion (judge’s choice)
Aircraft Judging concludes at 1100, Award presentations 1230-1300
THANKS to EVERYONE who participated! Stay Tuned for next year!
Pedal Plane Winner: Jill Hunter
Southwest Airlines Tickets Winner: Virginia Clark
Jill Hunter
Virginia Clark
Tickets $10 each or buy six for $50. Drawing after 2pm Sept 23 during LOEFI. Winners need not be present to win. Ticket stub(s) can be emailed to you or pick them up onsite at the EAA 179 booth, just inside the entrance. Use PayPal or you can pay by Credit Card by selecting GUEST checkout.
RAFFLE #1: Homebuilt Pedal Plane
A truly one-of-a-kind prize, designed and built by chapter member Mike Paxson. This one is a P-51 Mustang. Positively a work of art, and the pedal “drive shaft” rotates the propeller as it moves forward – so fun! Depends on weight but typically, the pilot can be up to age 7.
RAFFLE #2: Two roundtrip Southwest Airline domestic flights
Two E-Pass domestic certificates valid for any published and scheduled service in the United States, its territories and possessions, including Puerto Rico. A HUGE THANKS to Southwest Airlines and tireless volunteers, Raymond and Cynthia Alderete who earned these tickets through volunteering with our chapter.
Winners for both raffles shall take prize delivery at Double Eagle II Airport (other arrangements at EAA 179 discretion). Proceeds benefit EAA Chapter 179 and our charitable purposes, primarily aviation scholarships.
The Land of Enchantment Fly In provides a unique opportunity for aviation businesses and nonprofit organizations to reach out to pilots, homebuilders, and aviation enthusiasts of all ages while supporting the educational and charitable efforts of EAA Chapter 179.
Love what we do? We offer variousSponsorship / Corporate Membership Levels, some include a LOEFI booth. Support our programs year-round! All supporters are acknowledged in our newsletter.
2023 Exhibitors: EAA Chapter 179 is now accepting reservations for displays in the Exhibit Hall and on the ramp. Download the ExhibitorForm for details and reserve your space today! To pay online, click this link, select payment amount and pay via Credit Card or PayPal:
OR to pay by check, send to EAA Chapter 179; 7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd NW #179; Albuquerque, NM 87120. Thank you!
2022 Exhibitor Slideshow
CSI Aviation
AirOne Systems
CAF Lobo Wing
Brahn Sport Aircraft
NM Aviation Division
Albuquerque Sunport
Tuskegee Airmen
EAA Chapter 179
Women in Aviation
CNM Aviation Technology
Natl Weather Service
Airway Heritage Museum-KGNT
NM Pilots Association
Aviation Education Foundation
ABQ Cavalcade of Wings
In Kind Donations – Always appreciated! These support our youth activities, Friday night LOEFI cookout for campers, lunch for CAP volunteers, and logistics for the overall event. If you can help, let us know at chapter@eaa179.org
What is a Fly-In? Similar to a car show, aircraft fly in to be judged, while spectators get to see a gathering of amateur built, antique, military, and other unique aircraft — and meet their pilots, builders, and restorers! Expected highlights include the Chile Flight (formation flying team), helicopters, gliders, ultralights, and static displays of remote-controlled aircraft.
What is there to do?
Come early to see arriving aircraft and catch the 8AM Opening Ceremony!
Browse the Exhibit Hall with aviation businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
Learn about aviation education, careers, technology
Enjoy breakfast and lunch – food trucks on site all day!
Try riveting at the Builders’ Corner! 3D Printing! Talk to aircraft builders!
Engage the kids in the Youth Aviators Center
PILOTS! Attend SEMINARS about flying New Mexico and Weather; earn FAA WINGS credits!
Shop EAA 179′s Fly Mart; buy used aviation treasures
Celebrate milestones! 30th Anniversary of EAA Young Eagles! 50th Anniversary of Van’s Aircraft, Van’s RV kit manufacturer; Completion of EAA 179’s RV-12!
Enter to WIN a custom-made PEDAL PLANE OR Two Southwest Airlines roundtrip tickets!
What to bring? A refillable drinking water container, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and your camera!
FREE Admission and parking, donations accepted. Any proceeds go towards activities supporting EAA Chapter 179’s mission including aviation scholarships, Double Eagle Aviation Adventure (teen STEM program), Young Eagles events, and youth outreach activities. Questions? Contact us at chapter@eaa179.org
DRIVE IN DIRECTIONS to Double Eagle II Airport:
From Albuquerque (from the Big I): Take I-40 west to Atrisco Vista Blvd, turn north to the Double Eagle II airport, follow the signs to parking. (Google Map)
From Rio Rancho (from Paseo Del Norte and I-25): Take Paseo Del Norte Blvd NE westbound. It turns south becoming Atrisco Vista Blvd, to the Double Eagle II airport, follow the signs to parking. (Google Map)
Community Engagement
In addition to the members of EAA Chapter 179, many others contribute to making this a successful event each year. Volcano Vista High School Dance Team is participating again this year. See our full list of Sponsors and Exhibitors here.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Sign up Online HERE, or tell us of your interest by sending eMail to loefi@eaa179.org Other than support from airport or FBO personnel, this event is run completely by volunteers.
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