Category Archives: 2025

May 2025 Chapter Gathering

Hello Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

The May 2025 Chapter Gathering
Tuesday, May 20th
Join us – in person!  Visitors Welcome

5:00 PM — “No Host” Dinner at BJ’s Restaurant @ Cottonwood Mall
6:15 PM — Introductions
. . . . . . . . . Brandon Fryar’s Rans S-21 Outbound

My project is a Rans S-21 Outbound.  I ordered the kit in March 2020 and received my airworthiness in April 2025.  Currently I am in Phase I testing and hope to be done with that no later than end of this month.

  • I plan to provide an overview of my project, including:
  • Why I chose the Rans S-21.
  • Why I selected the Titan 340 engine
  • An overview of the items purchased, including avionics and their prices
  • A summary of my build approach and timeline.
  • A laundry list of lessons learned as this was my first build.
  • Finally, I share my thoughts on the airplane now that I have approximately 30 hours in the air.

Arrive anytime from 5:00 and dinner is not required.

Where:  BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse at Cottonwood Mall 10000 Coors Blvd, Albuquerque

Directions:   —    North or South bound on Coors Blvd to Cottonwood Mall, 10000 Coors Blvd NW. Take the Cottonwood Loop around to the south end of the parking lot. BJ’s is in a building of its own.

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.
Arrive anytime from 5:00 and dinner is not required.
We hope to see you there!

Land of Enchantment Fly-In (LOEFI 2025)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
LOEFI 2026 has been scheduled for
September 26, 2026

LOEFI 2025:  September 27, 2025
Schedule     Ramp Layout     Raffles    Sponsors & Exhibitors

Thank you LOEFI Sponsors, Exhibitors, Volunteers!!!

————————————————————————————–
Volunteers for LOEFI 2025 – Sign up here
Call for 2025 Sponsors – Exhibitors 
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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!
  • Stroll the ramp, amongst aircraft & pilots
  • Drool over the Fast as Flight Auto Showcase NEW!
  • Enjoy live bands, breakfast and lunch – food trucks on site all day!
  • Browse the Exhibit Hall of aviation organizations; Learn about aviation education, careers, technology, and nonprofits
  • Try riveting at the Builders’ Corner!  3D Printing!  Build a wing rib! Talk to aircraft builders!
  • Engage in aviation activities for all ages! Kid’s Corner, Youth Aviators Center
  • Teens/Adults: Try your hand at flying – on a flight simulator
  • Enter a RAFFLE to WIN a Custom Pedal Plane or Two Southwest Airlines Domestic Tickets!
  • PILOTS!  Attend SEMINARS about flying New Mexico; earn FAA WINGS credit!
  • Shop EAA 179′s Fly Mart; buy used aviation treasures
  • Girls in Aviation Day – sponsored by Exhibitor, WAI-LOE  (Pre-registration required)

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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 Academy (teen STEM program), Young Eagles events, and youth outreach activities.  Questions? Contact us at loefi@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.  View the list of 2025 Sponsors and Exhibitors.

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 and sponsors, this event is run completely by volunteers.

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April 2025 Chapter Gathering

Hello EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

The April 2025 Chapter Gathering
Tuesday, April 15th
Join us – in person!  Visitors Welcome

5:15 PM — “No Host” Dinner at BJ’s Restaurant @ Cottonwood Mall
6:15 PM — Introductions
. . . . . . . . . Program:  Meet the Recipients! EAA 179 Scholarship Awards

Celebrate our 2025 scholarship recipients by attending our March social gathering!  Meet our 2025 scholarship award recipients as they share  their aviation goals. Thanks to generous donors, our chapter is dedicated to introducing youth to aviation and supporting advancement of their aviation education through scholarships. Funds cover expenses related to flight training, A&P certification, or other educational programs for New Mexico applicants pursuing a future in aviation as a career or hobby.

Arrive anytime from 5:00 and dinner is not required.

Where:  BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse at Cottonwood Mall 10000 Coors Blvd, Albuquerque

Directions:   —    North or South bound on Coors Blvd to Cottonwood Mall, 10000 Coors Blvd NW. Take the Cottonwood Loop around to the south end of the parking lot. BJ’s is in a building of its own.

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.
Arrive anytime from 5:00 and dinner is not required.
We hope to see you there!

 

Run the Runway & Mutt Strut 5K Fun Run

Saturday, September 6, 2025
10AM – 1:30PM
4100 Aerospace Parkway, Albuquerque

The City of Albuquerque Aviation Division is hosting a special event at Double Eagle II Airport.  It’s the first annual Run the Runway & Mutt Strut 5K Fun Run. Besides the fun of running a runway, it’s a fundraising event to support CABQ Animal Welfare and EAA Chapter 179. Food Trucks, Music, Displays, and airport fun!

Here are links to REGISTER
or to Sign-Up w/EAA179 to volunteer!
Race/Fun Run Info & REGISTRATION
Sign up to volunteer with EAA 179

  • Race start festivities are at the old SAMS Academy building, 4100 Aerospace Parkway NW (south of the runways, off the road towards the Gun Range).  There will be no direct access from Double Eagle II Airport Road.
  • Run the full length of runway 17/35 and back along taxiway Bravo for 5K!
  • Pilots: CHECK NOTAMS. Runway 17-35 will be closed for the event, 4/22 will be open.  Note that there is also a limited Young Eagles event earlier that morning.
  • There will be aircraft displays along the taxiway at B1, B2 and B3.
  • The city is providing shuttle service from Bode FBO at Double Eagle II Airport to Race Start/End from 0930 – 1330 (every half hour)
  • Food trucks, music, and booths at the Race Start (old SAMS Academy building) off the gun range road.
  • Chapter 179 is providing general support including a few display aircraft to block public access to the active runway and a chapter booth at the race start.  Joyce Woods says, attendees “…  will see airplanes up close and can talk to pilots who love sharing their passion for aviation“.
  • Download the poster “Run the Runway and Mutt Strut“

February 2025 Chapter Gathering

Hello EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

The February 2025 Chapter Gathering
Tuesday, February 18th
Join us – in person!  Visitors Welcome

5:15 PM — “No Host” Dinner at BJ’s Restaurant @ Cottonwood Mall
6:15 PM — Introductions
. . . . . . . . . . Program: Questair Venture
. . . . . . . . . . . . Will Fox, EAA Tech Counselor & President, Chapter 691
. . . . . . . . . . . . Eric Achen, Chapter 179 Board Member & current Questair Venture builder

Will Fox will describe his experience flying his Questair Venture and the aircraft design in general. His aircraft won “Best Amateur Built” Award at LOEFI 2019 (pictured here).

Eric Achen will follow with his current in work Questair Venture build.

Where:  BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse at Cottonwood Mall 10000 Coors Blvd, Albuquerque

Directions:   —    North or South bound on Coors Blvd to Cottonwood Mall, 10000 Coors Blvd NW. Take the Cottonwood Loop around to the south end of the parking lot. BJ’s is in a building of its own.

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.
Arrive anytime from 5:00 and dinner is not required.
We hope to see you there!

 

Flying Start & Eagle Flights – 2025

Registration for Flying Start & Eagle Flights is closed
However, Register for the Flying Start Presentation, May 10

Want to learn how to fly but do not know where to start?  Are you serious about learning how to fly? If so, consider participating in EAA’s LEARN TO FLY WEEK. Chapter 179 will host a Flying Start and Eagle Flight event on May 10. From that introduction, you can learn much more by participating in the online live Webinars during the following week, May 13-17.

This half day program is designed to help adults (18 and up) explore  various flight training goals and pathways.  It will introduce you to other pilots, students, instructors, and flight training options.  We will discuss various opportunities you may have after completing flight training.  Not just for airplanes but also for Light Sport (LSA), rotor wing, gliders, and Trikes.

For more information from EAA, check out “Flying Start” and “Eagle Flights“.

EAA 179 presents these programs when we have received interest from enough participants to schedule an event.  If you are interested in attending an EAA 179 Flying Start event, please send your inquiry via eMail to flyingstart@eaa179.org and we will contact you with dates and location for when you are invited to “Come Fly with Us!’’

For more information on EAA’s Eagle Flight program, see
EAA Eagle Flight experience for adults who want to learn to fly.

Providing a “kick start” for learning to fly

Giving Adults who want to learn to fly, a Flying Start! Photo by Larry Bell

Christen Eagle

EAA 179’s Flying Start – an introduction to flight! Photo by Larry Bell

 

Double Eagle Aviation Academy (DEAA 2025)

EAA Chapter 179 Presents
Double Eagle Aviation Academy 2025
June 2 – 6, 2025 at Double Eagle II Airport

View Download the DEAA 2024 Photo History (.pdf)

Our 11th Double Eagle Aviation Academy (DEAA) offers a fun and challenging week at the airport!  Students ages 14 – 17 will explore a future in aviation, learning many facets of flying and airplanes:

  • learn about career opportunities in aviation from professionals
  • learn and practice reading weather reports
  • learn how to control pitch, roll, and yaw
  • learn the importance of balancing weight in the plane
  • learn and practice interpreting the instrument “Six Pack”
  • learn how aluminum structures are designed to be strong
  • learn what is inside the motors of airplanes
  • learn the legs of a traffic pattern
  • learn and practice communicating at non-towered and towered airports
  • learn and practice assembling a simple electrical wiring circuit
  • learn and practice riveting and rolling aluminum to make part of an aileron
  • learn and practice conducting an aircraft pre-flight inspection
  • learn and practice planning a flight
  • visit the Double Eagle control tower

Doors open at 8:15 AM with time to meet pilots and spend time seeing and talking about different airplanes each morning. Class starts at 9:00 AM. Morning and afternoon snacks and lunch are provided. Each day ends at 4:15 PM. Each student receives a workbook for future reference. If you are interested in aviation, this is an exceptional opportunity to discover the vast possibilities. On Saturday, students are invited to fly with a volunteer pilot on a route they plan during the week.

Questions?  Let us know.  Contact us at deaa@eaa179.org 
Download DEAA 2025 Poster    

 

PAYMENT for Accepted Students only:   PAY $225 TUITION HERE

January 2025 Chapter Gathering

Hello EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

The January 2025 Chapter Gathering
Tuesday, January 21st
Join us – in person!  Visitors Welcome

5:15 PM — “No Host” Dinner at BJ’s Restaurant @ Cottonwood Mall
6:15 PM — Program: Carol Sugar presents “The first biofuel powered jet flights”

In 2007 the first flight of a jet aircraft using 100% non petroleum biofuel took place, followed in 2008 by a US coast to coast flight using the same fuel and aircraft. New EAA 179 chapter member Carol Sugars will describe the technical aspects of these flights and offer a comprehensive question and answer session to explore the challenges these flights presented and the viability of the technology demonstrated.
Carol moved to New Mexico a few years ago and is a recently retired B767 Captain for a major US airline with an extensive general aviation and engineering background. In her non airline flying days she pursued many interesting and unique aviation, transportation and alternative energy technology projects.

Where:  BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse at Cottonwood Mall 10000 Coors Blvd, Albuquerque

Directions:   —    North or South bound on Coors Blvd to Cottonwood Mall, 10000 Coors Blvd NW. Take the Cottonwood Loop around to the south end of the parking lot. BJ’s is in a building of its own.

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.
Arrive anytime from 5:00 and dinner is not required.
We hope to see you there!