Category Archives: 2026

DEAA 2026 Certificate Presentations

Congratulations to the 21 young folk who attended Chapter 179’s Double Eagle Aviation Academy – DEAA 2026. You are a great group of youngsters, showing keen interest in learning about aviation, from airplanes to flying. You will see below a photo of each of you receiving your Certificate of Completion for DEAA 2026

DEAA Class of 2026

You will see below a photo of each of you receiving your Certificate of Completion for DEAA 2026. Click on the image for a larger view. Right-click on the image and choose [Save Image As …] to download a copy for yourself (and for family and friends?).

You may also download a Slide Show of activities and students. Download DEAA 2026 Slide Show (.pdf)

 

LOEFI 2026 – Raffles

This is the  LOEFI 2025 Raffles.
Check back in September for 2026.

2025 LOEFI RAFFLES – Purchase HERE to Win!
Custom Built Pedal Plane OR two Southwest Airlines Tickets!

Tickets $10 each or buy six for $50. Purchase ONLINE BELOW – or on site.
Drawing at 2pm at LOEFI on Sept 27, 2025.  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.

RAFFLE #1: Custom Built F4U Corsair Pedal Plane – Win this US Navy and US Marines favorite, the F4U Corsair. A truly one-of-a-kind prize, it was built by chapter members with special attention to every detail.  Like the full-size Corsair, the wings fold to save space on the deck.  The prop turns as the plane moves forward, driven by the pedals!  So fun! Depends on weight but typically, the pilot can be up to age 7.

PayPal setup removed.

RAFFLE #2:  Two roundtrip Southwest flight e-pass domestic certificates – Good for travel on Southwest operated, published, and scheduled service.  Valid only in the USA, its territories and possessions, including Puerto Rico.

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RAFFLES – FINE PRINT: 
Winners for both raffles shall take delivery of prizes at Double Eagle II Airport (other arrangements at discretion of EAA179 volunteers). 
Proceeds benefit EAA Chapter 179 and our charitable causes, primarily our Scholarship Fund, Aviation Academy, Young Eagles events, and supporting local aircraft builders. EAA Chapter 179 is a 501c3 organization.

LOEFI 2026 – Welcome Pilots

This is the  LOEFI 2025 Welcome Pilots.
Check back in September for 2026.

Flying into LOEFI Staying Overnight Activities

EAA Chapter 179 is preparing to provide extra special treatment for pilots and those bringing aircraft. 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, attending seminars, and sharing your passion for flying and aviation with other pilots and the public.

          • Aircraft Parking: New this year – Separate non-public parking area for fly-in aircraft (those that are not in the central Show Plane area).
          • Pilot Oasis: New this year – Free coffee and donuts, a place to gather away from the crowd, to refresh, and to enjoy hangar flying.
          • Special Door Prizes: New this year – Register at the Pilot Registration table or Pilot Oasis. Drawings in the Oasis at 1200. Pilot Door Prize Donors
          • Seminars:  Flying the New Mexico Backcountry (0830-0930, WINGS) and
            Mountain Wave: Exploring the Monster (1030-1130, WINGS)
            See the schedule below.
          • Hosted 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 BBQ by EAA 179 on the field for campers – please RSVP to loefi@eaa179.org.
          • Aircraft Awards: Best Plans Built; Best Kit Built, Contemporary (1960 – present); Classic (prior to 1960); LSA/Trike; Warbird; Most Distant Fly-in, People’s Choice; LOEFI Grand Champion (Judges’ choice).  Awards presented between 1245-1300.   See 2025 Aircraft Winners

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    Pilots – FLYING IN

      • Check Airport Data: Airnav or SkyVector
      • Inbound: Listen to ATIS on 119.025. Tune to Tower on 120.15
        • On first call, give distance and direction from airport and current ATIS. Tower controllers have radar.
        • If arriving just for the Fly-In, after landing tell Double Eagle Ground (121.625) that you are “going to the Fly In”.  Expect to taxi to the north ramp for tie-down parking. Bring ropes/chocks. See the airport diagram (.PDF) and event ramp map.
      • Parking, fuel, and Fly-in Registration:
        • Camping arrivals – parking is available in the grass area (own risk) along the hangar taxi lanes, just west of North Ramp (see Ramp Map) or in the North Ramp tie down area. No tie downs available off the asphalt.
        • Parking in front of Bode FBO is reserved for transient aircraft.
        • Bode FBO will provide fuel off truck at self serve price. Fuel islands are closed.
        • Tie downs are limited; please bring chocks and ropes. 
      • Outbound:  Contact Ground from ramp AND before proceeding FROM runup areas TO the runway unless otherwise instructed. Accessing runway 17/35 from the ramp requires crossing runway 22/04.  If you have questions, contact the Tower.
      • Would you like to park your aircraft in the Showcase? Click here for info.

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    Pilots – STAYING A NIGHT, Friday and/or Saturday?

      • If you are staying over in Albuquerque, let us know in advance if we can help at loefi@eaa179.org.
      • Ground Transport:  Rental cars (Enterprise or Hertz) ARE available with prior arrangement via Bode Aviation FBO  (3 day advance requested).  UBER and LYFT available (Typically $30 to Old Town area, i.e., Rio Grande Best Western)
    • On-field Hosted Camping for Pilots and Crew – Airplane camping is available on the field (KAEG) Friday & Saturday nights
      • If you plan to camp or have questions, please RSVP via eMail: loefi@eaa179.org.
      • Upon arrival, tell Ground Control that you are here for LOEFI camping, taxi to north ramp and proceed to the camping area. Parking is available in the grass (own risk) along the hangar taxi lanes, just west of North Ramp. See event ramp map.
      • Bring your tent and aircraft tie-down stakes and ropes!  Camp in the grass area adjacent to the north ramp or on the north ramp itself.  
      • Friday – pizza lunch and BBQ supper, 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, 0700-1400
      • Bode’s Bombing Range Café on the field open 0800 – 1400 Fri & Sunday

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      Pilots – ACTIVITIES AT THE FLY-IN!

        • Two general areas are 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. Note: This year for concern for the safety of your aircraft, the fly-in tie-down area will not be open for public viewing.
        • If arriving on Saturday, please stop by the Pilot Registration for a gift bag, to register for door prizes, and if you wish to have your aircraft included in the judging, to specify the award category.
        • Here is the schedule of activities of special interest for pilots (and crew members). Note in particular the WINGS Seminar. Check here for the complete Schedule of Activities and Sponsors and Exhibitors.
          • 0830 – 0930 • WINGS Seminar – “Flying the New Mexico Backcountry”
            – Ron Keller, New Mexico Pilots Association (Pilot Oasis)
          • 1030 – 1130 • WINGS Seminar – “Mountain Wave: Exploring the Monster”                          – Bill Hill, retired airline pilot, flies gliders for fun (Pilot Oasis)
          • 1130 • Aircraft Judging closes, People’s Choice ballots due
          • 1200 • Drawings for LOEFI PIlot Door Prizes (Pilot Oasis)
          • 1245 – 1300 • Aircraft Awards Presentation, Main Stage
          • 1400  •  Raffle Prize Drawings:
            .                          Custom F4U Corsair Pedal Plane built by EAA 179 volunteers!
            .              2 Domestic Southwest Airlines tickets!  
        • Food trucks for Saturday breakfast and lunch, 0700 – 1400
        • Aircraft Judging & Awards: 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 (1960 to present), Best Classic (prior to 1960), Best LSA/Trike, Best Warbird
          • Public Vote: People’s Choice (closes at 1130)
          • Special:  Most Distant Fly-In
          • Grand Champion (Judges’ choice)
        • Aircraft Judging concludes at 1130, Award presentations 1245-1300

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LOEFI 2026 – Event Schedule

This is the  LOEFI 2025 Event Schedule.
Check back in September for 2026.

 ** Of special interest to Pilots **

0700   •  Gates Open;  Static Aircraft Displays, Auto Displays Open
0700 – 1400  •  Food trucks Open 
 Great food! Your purchases support our scholarship fund!

  • Alitas de Pollo
  • Cerealsly Sweet
  • Loaded Lemon ABQ
  • One Stop Chill ‘n Fill
  • Pop Pop’s Italian Ice

0730 – 0900  •   Live music: “Line Nash” Opens the day!
0800  •  Opening Ceremony & Presentation of the Colors by Civil Air Patrol, NM Wing
0815  •  Exhibit Hall, Pilot Experience (new!), Builders’ Square, Kids’ Corner open; Aircraft Judging Begins
0830 – 0930  •  ** WINGS Safety Seminar: “Flying the New Mexico Backcountry”
                          – Ron Keller, NM Pilots Association, in the Pilot Oasis
0930 – 1130  • Live music: “Turner and Grimes Trio”
1030 – 1130  •  ** WINGS Safety Seminar: “Mountain Wave: Exploring the Monster”
                          – Bill Hill, retired airline pilot and glider pilot, in the Pilot Oasis
1130  •  Aircraft Judging closes, People’s Choice ballots due
1200 •  **Drawings for LOEFI Pilot Door Prizes, in the Pilot Oasis
1200 – 1400  •  Live music:  “Marion Carillo”
1245 – 1300  •  ** Aircraft Awards Presentation – EAA179, at the Stage
1400  •  Raffle Prize Drawings at the stage
              Custom F4U Corsair Pedal Plane built by EAA 179 volunteers!
              2 Domestic Southwest Airlines tickets!  
1400  •  Exhibit Hall, Pilot Experience, Aircraft Builders’ Square, and Kids’ Corner close

Live Music throughout!
Start the day with live music by Line Nash
      Mid-morning, enjoy the Turner and Grimes Trio
            Then Marion Carillo will top off the day!

June 2026 Chapter Gathering

Hello – EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

 June 2026 Chapter 179 Gathering
Tuesday, June 16th, 2026
Join us – in person!  Visitors Welcome

5:00 PM — “No Host” Dinner at BJs Restaurant & Brewhouse
6:15 PM — Introductions and Program
           Arrive anytime from 5:00 and dinner is not required.
 Program: Multiple Speakers – See Below

Local Military Flight Training  by Capt Pignatoro  — Briefing for local pilot awareness of low altitude Air Force flight training in the Albuquerque area.

Jumpers Away!  by Roy Mollenkamp  — Roy Mollenkamp, jump plane pilot with VIVA Skydive of Belen will discuss how general aviation pilots and skydiving operations can co-exist. Tips for how to safely fly into and out of airports with active skydiving activity.

Primer:  Roswell National Championship Air Races  by Eric Achen  — Flight Test Pilot, Pitts owner, and chapter member Eric Achen attended the Pilot Racing School at Roswell last year, helping test out the course, and considering participation in the biplane class. He will offer an overview of racing.

Directions: Take North or South bound Coors Blvd to Cottonwood Mall. Take the Cottonwood Loop to the south end of the parking lot. BJ’s is in a separate building.

 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 addressed in Board meetings.

We hope to see you there!

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May 2026 Chapter Gathering

Hello – EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

 May 2026 Chapter 179 Gathering
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
Join us – in person!  Visitors Welcome

5:00 PM — “No Host” Dinner/Social at Swing-n-Pickle (driving directions below)
6:15 PM — Introductions and Program
           Arrive anytime from 5:00 and dinner is not required.
Program: Gliding for Airplane Pilots – Nuances of best glide speed and gliding techniques that can be helpful when the engine quits.
Speaker: Whitney Van Brink, Merlin Aviation

Whitney began his aviation journey early, earning a Private Pilot Certificate while still in high school in Atlanta. He went on to graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, building a strong foundation for a diverse and accomplished career in aviation.

Over the years, Whitney has flown professionally as both an airline and corporate pilot, and has contributed to the industry in highly specialized roles, including serving as an instructor and working in flight test for Eclipse Aerospace. As part of the initial cadre for the Pilatus PC-24 program, Whitney helped certify the type rating program and simulator for FlightSafety International.

A passionate educator, Whitney has instructed in a wide range of aircraft—from gliders to jets—and has maintained a deep commitment to teaching throughout his career.

Today, Whitney brings that experience to his own operation, Merlin Aviation in Moriarty, New Mexico, where they provide glider rides, instruction, and have added airplanes as well.

 

Where: Swing-n-Pickle, 1700 Eubank Dr NE, just north of Constitution
Directions:   Find your way to Eubank.
>>>  If via Menaul or north of there, go south on Eubank past Indian School. Swing-n-Pickle will be a short distance on your left.
>>>  If via Lomas (or I-40), go north on Eubank past Constitution, almost to Indian School. Swing-n-Pickle will be on your right.

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!

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April 2026 Chapter Gathering

Hello – EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

 April 2026 Chapter 179 Gathering
Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
Join us – in person!  Visitors Welcome

5:00 PM — “No Host” Dinner at BJs Restaurant & Brewhouse
6:15 PM — Introductions and Program
           Arrive anytime from 5:00 and dinner is not required.
 Program: Ultralights—Flying Lawn Chairs!
Speaker: Tim McKenney

Tim is a retired AF Jet Engine Technician, A&P, and builder of a Legal Eagle Ultralight.  Following the Wright Bros, Tim had to build a bare basic flying lawn chair with wings.  The Legal Eagle is a plans built (sort of) rag and tube “vehicle”.   He will explain what an “Ultralight” is, and the construction of his little puddle jumper.

Tim joined our chapter last year after moving to Albuquerque from the San Marcos, TX area.  Tim stepped up to volunteer immediately, starting with LOEFI 2025 setup and helping out in the builder Builder’s Square. He regularly volunteers with the Young Eagles ramp ground crew and has helped staff our table at school Career Fairs.

Where:  BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse at Cottonwood Mall 10000 Coors Blvd, Albuquerque.
Directions:   Head North or South bound on Coors Blvd to Cottonwood Mall, 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.  We hope to see you there!

Copy of Chapter 179 Aviation Scholarships

 Applications for 2026 Scholarships: January 2 – Feb 15, 2026

Albuquerque Chapter 179 of the Experimental Aircraft Association awards scholarships annually to candidates pursuing aviation education as a career or hobby including flight training, A&P certification, or other activities for applicants’` intent on entering an aviation-related occupation. The amount and number of grants are determined each year and contingent on available funding. Recipients will be notified and awarded at our March Chapter Gathering.

For the first time ever, our scholarships will be open to adults over the age of 25 years old. So, no matter your age or goals in aviation, you can apply to our scholarship. The starting age to apply is 15 years old. The application is the same for both scholarships.

To qualify, you must:

  • Be older than 15 years of age and a resident of New Mexico.
  • Describe your interest in aviation and your future. Include your aviation goal(s), how much ($) you are requesting, specific justification for how it will be spent, any connections to EAA Chapter 179, any aviation experience and achievements, and how you will give back to the community after reaching your goals.
  • Provide a copy of an unofficial school transcript (unless you’ve been out of formal education for more than 5 years).
  • Provide at least one reference letter (no more than three) from someone other than a family member who is familiar with your motivation, ability, and potential regarding aviation.
  • Scholarship amounts will vary.

To apply, proceed to the Application Form

Application tips:

  • Show us your dedication! Start your flight training/education journey NOW. Having completed ground school or FAA Written Exam will make your application stand out. 
  • Get involved! Check out other areas of our website to find out when our monthly meetings and other activities are and join us. 
  • Be very specific and thorough with your application, and answer all of the questions fully. Don’t leave us with questions or wanting more. 
  • Have a plan. No matter if your goals are professional or for hobby, we need to know how you plan to get there. 
  • Send eMail to scholarships@eaa179.org with any questions.

An important criteria is the applicant’s commitment to pursuing aviation. An application that describes personal accomplishments or work-in-progress assist the committee selection. For example, for those with a goal of becoming a pilot, EAA offers a guide for attaining a pilot certificate (“Pilot Training Steps“); progress on such activities may demonstrate commitment. Scholarship funds cannot be used for general studies and school expenses. Funds are paid directly to the school or instructor.  Examples of how these funds may be used: 

  • Working toward certification including CFI fees, aircraft rental, and tuition
  • FAA testing fees
  • FAA textbooks, online and printed study guides, and other material related to the recipient’s scholarship endeavors

Questions?  Email us at: EAA 179 Scholarship

Donate Button with Credit CardsLike what we’re doing?   You Can Help! >We appreciate donations of any amount to our main scholarship fund, the Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship, Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship, “Doc” Weaver Memorial Scholarship, or Reimer Memorial Scholarship funds. Chapter 179 is a 501c(3) tax exempt charitable organization.  Donate online or send a check to “EAA 179 Scholarship; Double Eagle II Airport, 7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd NW #179, Albuquerque, NM 87120-6601”.

Double Eagle Aviation Academy (DEAA 2026)

EAA Chapter 179 Presents
Double Eagle Aviation Academy 2026
June 1 – 5, 2026 at Double Eagle II Airport

Download DEAA 2026 Slide Show (.pdf)

Click on image to download .pdf.

 

Our 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.

Applications: Apply by downloading and completing the Application Form below. Selection for attendance is based on information in the Application. Previous aviation knowledge or experience is not required.
Download the DEAA 2026 Application Form
Application deadline is May 8, 2026 . Applicants will be notified via eMail by May 8, 2026. Tuition ($225) is not due until accepted but must be received by May 21, 2026.

PAYMENT for Accepted Students only:   PAY $225 TUITION HERE

 

Download the DEAA 2026 Poster

Questions?  Let us know.  Contact us at deaa@eaa179.org