Category Archives: Gatherings

June 2025 Chapter Gathering

Hello Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

The June Chapter Gathering
Tuesday, June 17th
Join us – in person!  Visitors Welcome

5:00 PM — “No Host” Dinner at BJ’s Restaurant @ Cottonwood Mall
6:15 PM — Introductions
. . . . . . . . . Master Pilot Award Presentation

Art Woods will be presented the Wright Brothers Master Pilot award by Joe Kluk of the Albuquerque Flight Standards District Office. Art will also share his personal flying story, with highlights of over fifty years of flying.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award–is named in honor of Orville and Wilbur Wright who were two American aviation pioneers credited with inventing, building, and flying the world’s first successful motor-operated airplane. The Wright Brothers made the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft with the Wright Flyer on December 17, 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The brothers were also the first to invent aircraft controls that made fixed-wing powered flight possible.

To be eligible for the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a U.S. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificate.
  • Have 50 or more years of civil and military piloting experience or 50 or more years combined experience in both piloting and aircraft operations.
  • Up to 20 years of the required 50 years may be U.S. military experience.
  • The effective start date for the 50 years is the date of the nominee’s first solo flight or military equivalent.
  • The 50 years may be computed consecutively or non-consecutively.
  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Have NOT had any airman certificate revoked.

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!

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!

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!

 

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!

 

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!

 

December 2024 Chapter End of Year & Holiday Gathering

Hello EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

The December 2024 Chapter Gathering
Tuesday, December 17th
Join us – in person!  Visitors Welcome

5:15 PM — “No Host” Dinner at BJ’s Restaurant @ Cottonwood Mall
6:15 PM — Introductions, Program
Program — Year End Volunteer Recognition and Optional Gift Exchange

Our holiday party is primarily a social event, full of holiday cheer and aviation camaraderie. A short program will reflect on the many 2024 accomplishments of our member volunteers.

We continue our lively tradition with an optional gift exchange ($20 limit) where those who bring a gift will receive a gift.  Anyone may participate. Regardless, plan to come and share some smiles and laughter with fellow aviation enthusiasts

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!

 

November 2024 Chapter Gathering & Annual Meeting

Hello EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

The November 2024 Chapter Gathering & Annual Meeting is
Tuesday, November 19th
Join us – in person!  Visitors Welcome

5:15 PM — “No Host” Dinner at BJ’s Restaurant @ Cottonwood Mall
6:15 PM — Introductions, Annual Meeting, and Program
Program — “The Saga Continues (but the end is in sight!)”
                   By Bill Hutson, Zenith CH-750 STOL builder

After introductions, the Chapter will conduct it’s annual meeting to elect Officers and Board Members for 2025. Check the Newsletter for the slate of candidates; nominations will also be taken from the floor.

Bill Hutson shows his Zenith at LOEFI 2024

Following the election, Bill Hutson relates his Saga

Bill Hutson’s journey began in May, 2011 with a visit to Mexico, Missouri, the home of Zenith Aircraft and the birth place of the Zenith CH-750 STOL. This isn’t their only model, but was the one for Bill. The first rivet was pulled on 12 May 2011 with the last on 2 June 2024. 13 years and 22 days later, the end is in sight!  Airworthiness certificate was issued September 2024 with the first flight TBD.

Bill presented for our chapter as he got started on this project—back when (pre-COVID) we regularly met at Copper Canyon Café.  Join us to catch up on his build story!

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!

 

October 2024 Chapter Gathering

Hello EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

The October 2024 Chapter Gathering is
Tuesday, October 15th
Join us – in person!  Visitors Welcome

5:15 PM — “No Host” Dinner at BJ’s Restaurant @ Cottonwood Mall
6:15 PM — Introductions & Presentation, PLUS Presentation of LOEFI Awards
Program — Local Flying – Mountainous Terrain & Military Drop Zones in AEG Class Delta – Wendy & Sean Smith, Local ATC Controllers

Wendy and Sean are long-time members of the local ATC staffs. They will make a presentation  on flying in mountainous terrain, and have some information on new military drop zones in AEG Class Delta airspace.

  • Wendy’s parents are now retired controllers, and she married a controller – Sean. She has been  a controller in ABQ’s tower since 2008, and is the Community Outreach Representative; she “… truly believes that having abetter relationship between pilots and controllers makes it easier for all of us.” To top it off, she was selected as a controller at Air Venture this year.
  • Sean, born and raised in Albuquerque, has been a controller at our En Route Control Centers (ZAB) for 18 years. He serves specifically the southeast part of New Mexico (Roswell, El Paso, WSMR, and Canon and Holloman AFBs, plus airspace on the border with Mexico). To top it off, he is also the lead simulation developer for ZAB.

This will be a most interesting presentation (and discussion?). We hope to see you there!

Each month, these “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. Again this month, in the midst of the summer’s heat, we will meet at a restaurant. You may anticipate that with cooler weather in September, we will return to Double Eagle II Airport.

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.

August 2024 Chapter Gathering

The August 2024 Chapter Gathering is
Tuesday, August 20th
Join us – in person!  Visitors Welcome

5:15 PM — “No Host” Dinner at BJ’s Restaurant @ Cottonwood Mall
6:15 PM — Introductions & Presentation

Program:  OSH 2024 plus Pietenpol Restoration Preparation  by Lee Otto

Bring your favorite Oshkosh 2024 photos on a USB drive to share!  We’ll play them on a photo slide show during dinner.

For the main program, Lee Otto will share his experience joining the annual Brodhead Pietenpol Fly-In and his learnings at Oshkosh.  He’ll talk about the people he met and why they love their airplanes.  He’ll also mention what he learned about this airplane and a bit of its history.

Where:  BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse at Cottonwood Mall
                 10000 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque
Directions: North or South bound on 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 fellow aviation enthusiasts.  Programs are centered on exchanging experiences and ideas about aviation – airplanes, flying, and flying activities. Chapter business is addressed in bimonthly online Board meetings.  We hope to see you there!

July 2024 Chapter Gathering

The July 2024 Chapter Gathering is
Tuesday, July 16th
Join us – in person!  Visitors Welcome

5:15 PM — “No Host” Dinner at BJ’s Restaurant @ Cottonwood Mall
6:15 PM — Introductions & Presentation

Program: The Pietenpol Air Camper
Presented by Tom and Lee Baker, Pietenpol Owners/Builders

Tom and Lee have built and owned more than one Pietenpol and will share fantastic photos and their experience. We met them when they came out to fly on the EAA Ford Tri-Motor in April. Old birds attract the best aviation enthusiasts!

Considering that our chapter is embarking on a Pietenpol restoration project, this video presentation should help us understand what we’re undertaking!

Join us to also hear also about plans to get started on our local project.

Where:  BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse at Cottonwood Mall
                 10000 Coors Blvd NW,  Albuquerque
Directions: North or South bound on 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 fellow aviation enthusiasts.  Programs are centered on exchanging experiences and ideas about aviation – airplanes, flying, and flying activities. Chapter business is addressed in bimonthly online Board meetings.  We hope to see you there!