Category Archives: Core
Double Eagle Aviation Academy (DEAA) V1
Double Eagle Aviation Academy (DEAA) offers fun and challenging week at the Double Eagle II airport! Students ages 14 – 17 will explore a future in aviation. Students will learn about 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
- fly with one of our Chapter pilots on a special Young Eagles flight on the Saturday following
Each day begins at 8;15 AM finishing at 4:15 PM. Morning and afternoon snacks and lunch are provided. Each student receives a workbook for future reference.
- Upon arrival each morning, students assemble on the aircraft parking area where they can inspect and sit in a few airplanes (different airplanes each day), and to talk with pilots about the airplanes and flying. On the first day, they conduct a typical preflight inspection of an airplane, a standard practice prior to each flight.
- At 0900 classroom activities get under way with discussions about many of today’s flying activities and to hear first-hand from representatives representing career opportunities in civilian, commercial, and military aviation.
- Many days include hands-on activities such as building a part for an airplane, learning and practicing the basics of radio communications, and procedures for flying in an airport traffic pattern.
- Before the week is out, students will create a flight plan for flying from Double Eagle II to the Belen airport. Oh, on Saturday each student will fly with one of the Chapter pilots .. following the flight plan which they created.
On Friday afternoon, family and friends are invited to attend a “graduation ceremony”. Representatives from local organizations will be on hand to talk about educational opportunities for students seeking ways to further their interest in aviation. If you are interested in in any aspect of aviation, this is an exceptional opportunity to discover the vast possibilities.
Questions? Let us know. Contact us at deaa@eaa179.org
DEAA HISTORY
DEAA was first offered in 2013, created by Joyce Woods who has overseen the program since then.
DEAA 2019 Memories
Thanks to the over 50 chapter volunteers, guest speakers, pilots with aircraft displays, donors, and reception participants! And especially thanks for an attentive group of students and supportive parents!
DEAA 2017 – A week to remember!
KUDOS to the over 50 volunteers from the area pilot community who annually share their time, aircraft, enthusiasm, experience, and advice with DEAA students!
Thanks to our over 50 volunteers and generous DEAA sponsors!
Aspen Avionics, Van’s Aircraft, David Clark, Aircraft Spruce, Bode Aviation, NMDOT Aviation Division, The City of Albuquerque, Best Buy (Eubank), Costco (Coors Bypass), Smiths (Golf Course Rd) and several individual EAA179 members and friends who donated student tuition.
Updated 06/10/2021-jmw
Double Eagle Aviation Academy (DEAA)
Double Eagle Aviation Academy (DEAA) offers fun and challenging week at the Double Eagle II airport! Students ages 14 – 17 will explore a future in aviation. Students will learn about 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
- fly with one of our Chapter pilots on a special Young Eagles flight on the Saturday following
Each day begins at 8;15 AM when the students assemble on the aircraft parking area (that is 0815 hours in aviation parlance). Before classes start, they have the opportunity to inspect and sit in a few airplanes (different airplanes each day), and to talk with pilots about the airplanes and flying. On the first day, they conduct a typical preflight inspection of an airplane, standard practice prior to each flight.
At 0900 classroom activities get under way with presentations about many of today’s flying activities and hear first-hand from representatives representing career opportunities in civilian, commercial, and military aviation. Many days include hands-on activities such as building a part for an airplane, learning and practicing the basics of radio communications and procedures for flying in an airport traffic pattern. Before the week is out, students will create a flight plan for flying from Double Eagle II to the Belen airport. Oh, on Saturday each student will fly with one of the Chapter pilots .. following the flight plan which they created.
Each day there will be morning and afternoon snacks and lunch will be provided. The days will end at 4:15 PM (1615 hours). Each student receives a workbook for future reference.
On Friday afternoon, family and friends are invited to attend a “graduation ceremony’ and to talk with representatives from local organizations about educational opportunities for students that are interested in furthering their interest in aviation. If you are interested in aviation, this is an exceptional opportunity to discover the vast possibilities.
Questions? Let us know. Contact us at deaa@eaa179.org
DEAA HISTORY
DEAA was first offered in 2013, created by Joyce Woods who has overseen the program since then.
DEAA 2019 Memories
Thanks to the over 50 chapter volunteers, guest speakers, pilots with aircraft displays, donors, and reception participants! And especially thanks for an attentive group of students and supportive parents!
DEAA 2017 – A week to remember!
KUDOS to the over 50 volunteers from the area pilot community who annually share their time, aircraft, enthusiasm, experience, and advice with DEAA students!
Thanks to our over 50 volunteers and generous DEAA sponsors!
Aspen Avionics, Van’s Aircraft, David Clark, Aircraft Spruce, Bode Aviation, NMDOT Aviation Division, The City of Albuquerque, Best Buy (Eubank), Costco (Coors Bypass), Smiths (Golf Course Rd) and several individual EAA179 members and friends who donated student tuition.
Updated 06/10/2021-jmw
EAA Chapter 179 – Come Fly With Us!
***** Announcing *****
The December End of Year & Holiday Chapter Gathering
December 17th @ BJ’s, See You There
Download the December 2024 Newsletter
From this year’s DEAA, download the
DEAA 2024 Photo History
(.pdf)
The Albuquerque Chapter 179 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) was recognized by EAA as a Gold Chapter for 2019, 2020-2021, and 2022 for our outstanding level of involvement and commitment.
As recreational pilots, aircraft builders, and aviation enthusiasts, we love to share our passion for aviation with the public, promote aviation safety and education, introduce youth to aviation, and serve the general aviation community.
- We host EAA Young Eagles rallies 4-5 times a year, organize the annual Land of Enchantment Fly-In (LOEFI), and offer the Double Eagle Aviation Academy (DEAA) each summer for youth ages 14-17.
- We offer a range of Scholarships for youth to assist in advancing their aviation education.
- In January of 2022, the Chapter acquired a hangar at Double Eagle II Airport, named the Reimer Aircraft Factory in honor of members who contributed so much to the Chapter. At the RAF, we can now offer more activities throughout the year.
Join Us! Whether you fly, build, restore or simply are enthusiastic about airplanes or aviation, you are welcome to participate. Join us for our next meeting or event, and consider becoming a chapter member!
History: The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) was founded in 1953 by a group of people interested in building their own airplanes. Today, EAA is a community of recreational pilots and builders dedicated to sharing a love of aviation. Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 179 is a 501c(3) tax exempt charitable organization chartered in Albuquerque N.M. on August 29, 1963 and incorporated in 1965.
Chapter 179 has been recognized by EAA with a “Gold Level Chapter Award”. This award is presented annually by EAA to recognize chapters that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to general aviation. It is based on 10 criteria that correlate with active and engaged chapters. This year we met all 10 criteria with the addition of a Chapter hangar, the Reimer Aircraft Factory. EAA 179 has received this Award for 2019, 2020-21, 2022, and again in 2023.
I’m interested, how do I join?
Want to Contribute? DONATE TODAY! We appreciate donations of any amount. If desired, you may designate 179’s Scholarship Fund, Building Fund or General Fund. Donate online or send a check to EAA Chapter 179; Double Eagle II Airport; 7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd NW #179; Albuquerque, NM 87120. Thank you!
For donations in memory of Randy and Susie Reimer, please select that option and enter an amount.
For information on Corporate Sponsorships or Advertising, click here.
About Us
Activities
Information for Prospective Scholarship Applicants
Youth and Young Adult Aviation Scholarships
If you are serious about a future in aviation and are 15 to 25 years old, consider preparing to apply for 2025 Scholarships. Watch here for announcements about the application deadline and other information. The window for receiving applications begins January 1.
How to Apply
On January 1, the online application form will be available via link that will be provided here.
—- The maximum award per individual for 2025 is $2,000.
—- HINT: Start early! Review requirements in advance.
—- If you have any difficulty with this application process or the form itself, contact us at scholarships@eaa179.org
How Can These Scholarships Be Used?
The Albuquerque Chapter 179 of the Experimental Aircraft Association presents annual scholarship awards to candidates pursuing aviation education including flight training, A&P certification, etc. Applicants must be 15 to 25 years old and be a resident of New Mexico. The amount and number of grants are determined each year and contingent on available funding. Applications must be received by February 15, 2025. Recipients will be notified and awarded certificates at a chapter event in March or April. Scholarships must be focused on their aviation endeavors and are paid directly to the school or instructor on behalf of the student recipient.
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
Scholarship funds cannot be used for general studies and school expenses. Good luck; we relish the opportunity to support you in your aviation endeavors!
EAA 179 IMC Club
Sharpen your Instrument Flying Skills!
The chapter IMC Club meets the 3rd Saturday of each month, 0930-1100 at Double Eagle II Airport, still a hybrid session (in person or remote). Anyone is welcome!
IMC Club sessions provide an open discussion based on instrument flying scenarios. Discussions provide a good review of essentials for IMC flight plus a fun way to meet and learn from other instrument pilots. Here is the description from the monthly IMC announcement from EAA:
EAA’s IMC Club provides organized “hangar flying” focused on building instrument flying knowledge and skills. The Club promotes a safety culture through continued education and believes that we develop safety and proficiency through education and real life experience. Monthly meetings offer an opportunity to share in-flight experiences and valuable safety tips.
Meetings typically focus on a scenario “you were flying along and then this happened – what do you do”. Here is an example from a recent meeting:
You take off from a non-towered airport, without any controller frequency in range. You have an IFR flight plan on file but not activated. You climb into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at a much lower altitude than expected. — NOW what do you do.
After the dealing with the scenario, a quiz is presented that can deal with regulations, the approach charts, the enroute charts, weather, and other facets of flying IFR. So if you are interested in learning more about IFR flight or simply wish to participate in problem solving, you are invited to attend or tune in via ZOOM to this and future meetings.
How to participate:
- In-person in the Bode Aviation conference room, 2nd floor, next to the café. Meet up at the café prior for breakfast or after for lunch.
- OR Join Remotely: Visit the Site Search page for Events at KAEG. The meeting announcement will be listed when it has been registered with FAA. Select the upcoming IMC Club Meeting for Event Details; the ZOOM link will be included.
To receive FAA WINGS credit, select the “Register” link on the Events Pate (you must be logged in to your FAAST account).
Barry Harper & John DeWitt, IMC Club Coordinators, EAA 179
imc-club@eaa179.org
Scholarship History
EAA Chapter 179 awarded over $130,000 in scholarships to 53 recipients from 2017 through 2024, including Chapter 179 Scholarships, Air Academy tuition, and Ray Scholarships. For more information about these scholarships, return to Scholarships Offered by EAA Chapter 179.
Awards by Year
EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship Recipients
Advanced Air Academy Scholarship Recipients
Basic Air Academy Scholarship Recipients
Ray Scholarship Recipients
Awards by Year (Go to TOP)
2024 Aviation Scholarship Recipients
Jocelyn Muñiz – Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship
Orion Francis – Reimer Memorial Scholarship
Daisy Belmares-Ortega – RC “Doc” Weaver Memorial Scholarship
Ashlee Simkins – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Isabella Baldonado – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Alex Martinez – Advanced Air Academy Scholarship
Dominic Martinez – EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship
Ava Diaz – EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship
2023 Aviation Scholarship Recipients
Michael Wang – Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship
Isabella Baldonado – Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship
Sophia McIntyre – Reimer Memorial Scholarship
Benjamin DeGuio – Reimer Memorial Scholarship
Christian Guerra – RC “Doc” Weaver Leadership Scholarship
Daisy Belmares Ortega – Luke Vaughn Aviation Scholarship
Nathanial Parks – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
William Reese – Advanced Air Academy Scholarship
Mia Alderete – Advanced Air Academy Scholarship
Christian Guerra – EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship
2022 Aviation Scholarship Recipients
Scott Hofmann – Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship
Scarlette McIntyre – Reimer Memorial Scholarship
Ashlee Simkins – RC “Doc” Weaver Leadership Scholarship
Daisy Belmares Ortega – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Veronica Bearup – EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship
Mia Alderete – EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship
2021 Aviation Scholarship Recipients
Scott Hofmann – Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship
Everett Taylor – Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship
Vladislav Sevostianov – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Sergio Morales – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Luke Vaughn – EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship
2020 Aviation Scholarship Recipients
Jacob Edington – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Jesus Perez – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Madison Thompson – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Sophie Haag – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Sophia Haag – EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship
Jacob Edington – EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship
2019 Aviation Scholarship Recipients
Taylor Jenkins – Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship
Matthew McKelvey – Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship
Kiera Bethke – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Samuel Cortes – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Christian Orehek – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Rowan Phlieger – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Alec Villarreal – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Rowan Phlieger – EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship
2018 Aviation Scholarship Recipients
Madison Thompson – Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship
Kyle Usiak – Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship
Luke McKee – EAA 179 Scholarship
Sam E. Baczkiewicz – EAA 179 Scholarship
2017 Aviation Scholarship Recipients Presentation (pdf)
Zachary Andrews – Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship
Nathan Mendoza – Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship
Ryan Moloney – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Nicholas Pashenkov – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Kasia Segieda – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
2016 Aviation Scholarship Recipients
Riley Brainard – Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship
Joshua Skeen – Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship
Ryan Moloney- George Applebay Memorial Scholarship
Isaac Wilson – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
2015 Aviation Scholarship Recipients
Joel Stribling – Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship
Andrew Volgenin-Kulikoff – Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship
Isaac Wilson – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Isaac Wilson- EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
2014 Aviation Scholarship Recipients
Gerald Gayle – Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship
Ruth Darsey – Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship
Seth Rozzelle – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
2013 Aviation Scholarship Recipients
Leigh Tu – Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship
Jeffrey Salazar – Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship
Connor Welch – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
2011 Aviation Scholarship Recipients
Justin Denman – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
Maya Robinson – EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship
EAA 179 Aviation Scholarship Recipients (Go to TOP)
2024 Ashlee Simkins and Isabella Baldonado
2023 Nathanial Parks
2022 Daisy Belmares Ortega
2021 Vladislav Sevostianov and Sergio Morales
2020 Jacob Edington, Jesus Perez, Madison Thompson, and Sophie Haag,
2019 Kiera Bethke, Samuel Cortes, Christian Orehek, Rowan Phlieger, and Alec Villarreal
2018 Luke McKee and Sam E. Baczkiewicz
2017 Ryan Moloney, Nicholas Pashenkov, and Kasia Segieda
2016 Isaac Wilson
2015 Isaac Wilson and Isaac Wilson
2014 Seth Rozzelle
2013 Connor Welch
2011 Justin Denman, Maya Robinson
Advanced Air Academy Scholarship Recipients (Go to TOP)
2024 Alex Martinez
2023 Mia Alderete and William Reese
2021 Scott Morgan and Nicholas Romo (cancelled)
2020 Scott Morgan and Nicholas Romo (cancelled)
2019 Joel Inventor and Jesus Perez
2018 Alec Villereal
2017 Sam Baczkiewicz
2016 Ryan Moloney
2015 Ryan Moloney
2014 Mark Chappell
Basic Air Academy Scholarship Recipients (Go to TOP)
2015 Ashley Fried
2014 Mark Chappell
Ray Scholarship Recipients (Go to TOP)
Since 2017 we have qualified for EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship grants now NINE times, supporting scholars to complete their Private Pilot certificate.
2024 RAY SCHOLAR, Dominic Martinez
“I got into aviation through a Young Eagles flight at Double Eagle. That one flight inspired me to look more into aviation and that is how I decided I wanted to get into the aviation industry. I decided to pursue flight training as the first step to getting to fly big commercial aircraft. I plan to be either an airline pilot or aeronautical engineer, maybe even both. As of right now I do not know what college I want to attend, but ASU would be at the top of the list.
I am super thankful for this opportunity, and can’t wait to see what lies ahead. “
2024 RAY SCHOLAR, Ava Diaz
2023 RAY SCHOLAR, Christian Guerra
Christian is a senior at Cleveland High School (December 2023) and has a plan to complete his private pilot certificate prior to heading off to college in about 8-9 months. He has already been volunteering his time to assist the chapter (me) with the nuances of building and debugging Google Forms for our application process. If you see him headed out to preflight, be sure to say hello and congratulate him on his Ray Scholarship award.
2022 RAY SCHOLAR, Mia Alderete
Mia is the 6th EAA Ray Scholarship winner for Chapter 179 since 2019. Mia has a passion for flying and has a dedicated commitment to fly for one of the major airlines. She’s just making great strides to get her PPL, having completed her first solo in June 2023. And has been accepted to Southwest’s training program to become ultimately a Southwest pilot.
2022 RAY SCHOLAR, Veronica Bearup
Veronica (Roni) had also received a Junior ROTC flight scholarship to a school in South Carolina. And just like Luke, COVID and an instructor shortage had her returning to Albuquerque needing about 12-15 hours additional training to complete her Private Pilot’s License. To further upset her aviation training, she moved to Nebraska and needed to complete her training and take her check ride there. All’s well that ends well; Roni received her PPL on 2 July 2022.
2021 RAY SCHOLAR, Luke Vaughn
Luke was selected as Chapter 179’s fourth Ray Scholar in 3 years. He began his flight training at the University of North Dakota, having previously won a Junior ROTC flight training scholarship. Because of COVID and a shortage of flight instructors he returned to Albuquerque in the summer of ’21 needing his cross-country work to complete his Private Pilot’s License. He completed license just 2 weeks before heading to the Air Force Academy, where he is in the 2026 graduating class.
2020 RAY SCHOLAR, Sophia Haag
For 2020, Sophie Haag was selected, after she had already soloed on New Year’s Day 2020. Sophie proceeded to complete her written exam and passed her Private Pilot check ride in August 2020! Congrats Sophie!
Sophie is now a member of the class of 2025 at the US Air Force Academy and will pursue her dream of becoming a military pilot very soon. Congrats Sophie!
2020 RAY SCHOLAR, Jacob Edington
With remaining funds, Chapter 179 selected Jacob Edington as a second 2020 Ray Scholar. Jacob had just started his flight training, using the chapter scholarship. Unfortunately, Jacob had a serious accident riding his bicycle one day and had to curtail his flight training before heading off to college in Texas.
2019 RAY SCHOLAR, Rowan Phlieger
Chapter 179 was awarded EAA’s 2019 Ray Aviation Fund Scholarship. Rowan Phlieger was selected from 2019 chapter scholarship applicants to receive this $10,000 flight training scholarship to complete Private Pilot training. Rowan completed her PPL over the summer in time to start at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ.
Want to Contribute? DONATE TODAY! We appreciate donations of any amount to our main scholarship fund, the Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship, or Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship. Chapter 179 is a 501c(3) tax exempt charitable organization. Donate online or send a check to “EAA 179 Scholarships; Double Eagle II Airport, 7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd NW #179, Albuquerque, NM 87120-6601”. (Go to TOP)
EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship
EAA Chapter 179 qualified for participation in EAA’s Ray Aviation Scholarship program for the past six years (2019–2024), enabling us to support flight students through their Private or Glider Pilot check ride. We were granted two Ray Scholarships to award in 2025. Candidates must be a student pilot age 15-19 who aspires to earn a Private or Glider Pilot certificate within the coming year.
Ray Scholars now may receive up to $12,000 to be used for flight training expenses, whether pursuing flying as a career or hobby. In addition, recipients receive mentoring, support, and progress monitoring to ensure successful completion of flight training within the required 12 months. Recipients are expected to participate in Chapter activities, provide regular reports on progress, and achieve stringent flight training milestones.
The Chapter identifies candidates for the Ray Scholarship from among youth who are energetically engaged in aviation activities such as enrolled in or completed aviation education courses, who participate in local aviation related organizations, who are enthusiastic to become a pilot and who can make it a priority. Ray Scholarship recipients are typically selected from Chapter 179 Scholarship applicants or may be nominated by Chapter members.
For additional information on the national EAA Ray Aviation Scholar program, see EAA’s info for chapters: Scholar Eligibility and Requirements (eaa.org)
New Pilots – 2022-2023 EAA 179 Ray Scholarship Recipients
For 2022 & 2023 the Chapter selected three aspiring pilots to receive EAA 179 Ray Scholarships. Read about their accomplishments by clicking on their names below. Read about our other Ray Scholars here.
Christian Guerrra |
Mia Alderete |
Veronica Bearup |
Questions? Email us: scholarships@eaa179.org
Like what you see? DONATE TODAY! We appreciate donations of any amount to our main scholarship fund, the Bob Hartman Memorial Scholarship, or Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship funds. Chapter 179 is a 501c(3) tax exempt charitable organization. Donate online or send a check to “EAA 179 Scholarships; Double Eagle II Airport, 7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd NW #179, Albuquerque, NM 87120-6601”.
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