Category Archives: History

Fly the Ford Tri-Motor – Apr 4-7, 2024

JOIN US for Food, History, the Aircraft – TRIPLE Fun!

Thursday April 4:  2 – 5pm
Friday April 5 – Sunday, April 7:  8am – 4pm
Double Eagle II Airport, Albuquerque

Fly the Ford!   $99 Adults; $75 for 17 and under
Book Your Flight online!
Tickets are for a particular day, seating is first come, first served. Tickets can also be purchased on site.

Bring the family and your camera; history displays and viewing the aircraft is FREE. Also invited are period Ford automobiles for limited times, Fri – Sun.  Join us for hotdog lunch 11-1:30 Fri-Sun!

General History & Info – Ford Tri-Motor Tour

Directions to Double Eagle II Airport:   Take I-40 or Paseo del Norte west to Atrisco Vista Blvd.  Follow airport signs to main parking lot (FREE Parking).  7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd NW; Albuquerque, NM  87120

Join us to celebrate the visit of a 1929 Ford Tri-Motor 5-AT-E to Albuquerque, at the Double Eagle II airport (on the west mesa). This is an example of an aircraft that helped develop the first commercial air service across the United States. If you joined us in 2017-18, we hosted the “Liberty” Tri-Motor.  This is EAA’s aircraft with Eastern Airlines markings, tied to its history.  It flies at AirVenture in Oshkosh every year.

This relic of aviation history, affectionately called the “Tin Goose”, was the largest civilian passenger aircraft of its time.  Albuquerque shares this unique history, serving as a key stop along the 1920’s Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT) route.  Still remaining are concrete arrows, foundations for navigation beacons which guided pilots along the route.

History Presentations and Displays

Friday – Sunday displays by the Albuquerque Cavalcade of Wings and the CCHS Airway Heritage Museum at the Grants-Milan Airport will highlight related aviation history.  Displays will include various model trimotor aircraft designs with ties to Albuquerque, early navigation methods, New Mexico’s TAT role, and remaining area beacon stations and concrete arrows.

EAA Ford TriMotor Inside

Experience the elegance!  EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor interior

EAA Ford TriMotor

Fly EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor at Albuquerque’s Double Eagle II Airport on the west side! 

EAA_Liberty_TriMotor

Get your photo with a flying piece of history!  Liberty Tri-Motor

For weather updates, check our Facebook page:  Facebook.com/EAA179

The Liberty Tri-Motor visited Albuquerque back in 2018. See the announcement and photos from that visit.

LOEFI 2022 Awards & Photos

For LOEFI 2022, awards were given for aircraft in 9 categories. Pilots opted to have their aircraft included in the judging when they registered.

  • A team of Chapter members then appraised each aircraft, considering appearance and other subjective considerations. Judging took place between 0830 and 1130.
  • The public was also given the opportunity to cast a ballot for the “People’s Choice” award. Counting the ballots, the judges found that there was a tie, so the award was given to each.
  • Based on information provided by the pilots when they registered, the award for “Most Distant Fly-in” 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 who were not present to receive them.)
  • A framed photo of the winning aircraft will be forwarded to the winners honoring their recognition as winners at LOEFI 2022.

Congratulations 2022 Award Winners

Award Recipient Aircraft Tail #
Best Plans Built Martin diStefano Skybolt N117JR
Best Kit Built Martin Guenin Glassair Sportsman GS-2 N876Z
Best Contemporary Rick Bosshardt Cubcrafters N15NX
Best Classic Jerry Powers V35 Bonanza N1QG
Best LSA/Trike Janet Crosby Zlin Savage iCub N3311
Best Warbird Phil Phillips L-19 Birddog N219TH
Most Distant Fly-In Andrew Rivas F33 Bonanza N442FT
People’s Choice Martin diStefano Skybolt N117JR
Grand Champion Glenn Anderson Beech T-34 N334JP

LOEFI 2022 Award Winners:

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.

LOEFI 2021 Awards and Photos

For LOEFI 2021, awards were given for aircraft in 9 categories. Pilots opted to have their aircraft included in the judging when they registered.

  • A team of 3 Chapter members then appraised each aircraft, considering appearance and other subjective considerations. Judging took place between 0830 and 1130.
  • The public was also given the opportunity to cast a ballot for the “People’s Choice” award. Counting the ballots, the judges found that there was a tie, so the award was given to each.
  • Based on information provide by the pilots when they registered, the award for “Most Distant Fly-in” 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 were mailed to any who were not present to receive them.)
  • A framed photo of the winning aircraft will be forwarded to the winners honoring their recognition as winners at LOEFI 2021.

Below are photos of the winning aircraft.

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.

Photos by Bill Donald and Larry Bell
George Young, 10/12/2021

LOEFI 2021 – Schedule

0700   •  Gates open;  Static Aircraft & Car Club displays open
0700 – 1500  •  Food trucks – NEW this year

Great food! And sales support our scholarship fund!

0700 – 0845  •   “Prairie Meadows Praise Team Singers”
0800  •  
Opening Ceremony & Flag Raising by Rio Rancho JROTC
0815  •  Exhibit Hall, Youth Aviators Center, Builders’ Corner open;  Aircraft Judging Begins
0830 – 0945  •  WINGS Safety Seminar: “Flying the New Mexico Backcountry” – NMPA
0900 – 1100  • Resonance” band
10151130  •  Seminar: “Can Electric Aircraft Pull General Aviation Out Of The Nose Dive?” by Will Fox
1130  •  Aircraft Judging closes, People’s Choice ballots due
1230 – 1300  •  Gathering of Pilots (Photo) and Aircraft Awards Presentation – EAA179
1300 – 1500  •   “Time Travelers” band
1330 – 1430  •  Public Presentation: “Formation Flying” by Chile Flight
1400  •  Raffle Drawing, Featured Prizes
1500  •  Exhibit Hall, Youth Aviators Center, Aircraft Builders’ Corner closes

Live Music throughout the day!

Start the day with the Prairie Meadows Praise Team Singers, opening with the Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful and an assortment of uplifting acoustic/vocal music.
Kicking off the festivities mid-morning is Resonance, with energetic dance music to waggle your empennage.
Headlining in the afternoon slot, Time Travelers takes you on a magic carpet ride through time, with rock’n’roll favorites from the 1950’s to present.

Updated 09/7/2021-goy

Chapter 179 Scholarships – History

EAA Chapter 179 awarded over $110.000 in scholarships to forty-six recipients from 2017 through 2023, including Chapter 179 Scholarships, Air Academy tuition, and Ray Scholarships.  Since 2017 we have qualified for EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship grants SEVEN times, supporting scholars to complete their Private Pilot certificate.

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 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 – Ray Scholarship
Mia Alderete – EAA Ray 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 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

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

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
Mark Chappell – 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

Advanced Air Academy Scholarship Recipients
2022     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
2015     Ashley Fried
2014     Mark Chappell

 

Ray Scholar Recipients

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.

 

Sophie Haag, 2020 Ray Scholar2020 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.

 

 

 

Donate Button with Credit CardsWant 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 Scholarship; Double Eagle II Airport, 7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd NW #179, Albuquerque, NM 87120-6601”.

LOEFI 2018 Awards and Photos

Congrats to 2018 Award Winners!

Best Amateur Built – Jerry Wymer, Harmon Rocket, N49GW
Best Contemporary – Brent McCall, PA-24-260 Comanche, N9272P
Best Helicopter – Miguel Jimenez – Channel 13, Eurocopter AS 350 B2, N134TV
Best Sailplane – Dan Marotta, Stemme S-10VT, N995J
Best Vintage – Ryan Carson, Luscombe 8E, NC2408K
Best Warbird – Chuck Swanberg, Ryan L-17 Navion, N4581K

People’s Choice – Lee Otto, VANS RV-10, N326JL
Kids’ Favorite! – Phil Phillips, Cessna L-19 / O-1 Birddog, N219TH
Most Distant Fly-In – Jim Money, Beechcraft S-13 Bonanza, N1947M
Oldest Aircraft – Chris Wilson, Interstate S-1B1, N46333

LOEFI 2017 Awards & Photos

Congrats to 2017 Award Winners!

Kids’ Favorite! – One Aviation,  Eclipse 550  N229BW
GRAND CHAMPION – Fred Krueger, Stearman E75  NC4787V

Best Amateur Built – Mark Sturm, Velocity N653TS
Best Contemporary – Bob Rausch, Piper Lance N7123H
Best Vintage – Ryan Carson, Albuquerque; Luscombe 7E NC2408K
Best Warbird – Phil Phillips, L-19 / 0-1 Birddog  N219TH
Best Light Sport – Doug Rhodes, Magni M-22  N223DR
Best Trike – Jim Britt, North Wing  N10364
Furthest Home Airport – Kyle Grimm, Vans RV-4 (from KFDK) N884JB
Oldest Aircraft – Kurt Winker, Piper J-3 Cub (1942)  N41567
People’s Choice – Fred Krueger, Stearman E75  NC4787V

LOEFI 2017 Video      2017 LOEFI Newsletter 

Route 66 Air Tour – 2018

February 16 – 19, 2018

 

 

 

 

Celebrate history, promote general aviation, and enjoy sights along the Mother Road!

Download Air Tour Flyer
Download Registration Form

Since the beginnings of fixed-wing aviation, pilots have been flying air tours to exhibit aircraft capabilities and share their passion for aviation.  This tour will highlight aviators, aircraft and significant historical events along Route 66.

Pilots and crew will fly the planned route, landing at community airports for commemorative celebrations, museum visits, and brief presentations highlighting general aviation.

The public is invited to join us, viewing aircraft and interacting with pilots and crew at each stop. This tour is sponsored by Chapter 179 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).

2018 Route 66 Air Tour PHOTOS – See our FACEBOOK page for Photos and Published articles

 

REGISTRATION CLOSED for 2018 Tour

  1. PAY BY CHECK:  Download REGISTRATION FORM, complete, and mail to EAA 179 PO Box with your check.
  2. PAY ONLINE:  Download REGISTRATION FORM, complete and email to chapter@eaa179.org. Click to pay here, and enter the total tour cost for participants in your aircraft:
  3. IMPORTANT!!!   Make your own reservations directly for overnight accommodations:

Tucumcari:  Rates at the Roadrunner Lodge include a basic breakfast (2 eggs, hash browns, toast, and coffee or tea) at “Kix on 66” diner.  Rates at the Safari Lodge in Tucumcari are lower, but do not include breakfast.  The “Kix on 66” has a nice and very reasonable breakfast menu, and it is within easy walking distance from both hotels.  Both hotels are offering their standard winter rates without further discount.  Make your reservations through their web sites.

Roadrunner Lodge: https://www.roadrunnerlodge.com/
Safari Motel:  http://www.themotelsafari.com/

Las Vegas: Special “Air Tour” rates at the Historic 1882 Plaza Hotel will be honored through January.  Room descriptions are available on the Plaza Hotel web site. To reserve your room, call (505) 425-3591 (ask for “Air Tour” rate)

Winslow:   This stop is designed as a relaxing finale to the Route 66 Air Tour with no formal activities planned.  The La Posada Hotel (http://laposada.org/ ) was a beautiful, iconic Santa Fe Railroad hotel and Fred Harvey Restaurant (Harvey House) that opened in 1930.  It was the last AT&SF hotel constructed, and it was designed by Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter.  It has been lovingly restored and updated and includes the Turquoise Room, an outstanding restaurant with a good wine list and a nice, intimate bar.  You can tour the hotel, watch the trains, and relax by the fire in the ballroom, reading or recapping the weekend with your fellow Air Tour participants.

Reserve your room at the La Posada Hotel or other lodging and dining options are available in Winslow, if you desire.  We have arranged transportation to and from hotels for your stay.  Taxi service is available in Winslow.

Itinerary

Friday, February 16, 2018

Santa Rosa Route 66 Airport (KSXU)   
1300 – 1500 Coffee Stop, take off on old Route 66!
1400 Community Presentation

Tucumcari Municipal (KTCC)
1500-1700  Arrival Window
Tour Tucumcari + Route 66 Museum
1830            Social and Dinner
Route 66 History presentation
Overnight:   Tucumcari historic motels
https://www.roadrunnerlodge.com/  (includes breakfast at “Kix on 66”)
http://www.themotelsafari.com/

Saturday, February 17

Breakfast at “Kix on 66” Diner
 
Moriarty Airport (0E0)
1100     Presentation, Community event
Lunch at Commemorative Air Force Lobo Wing Hangar
View historic sites enroute to KLVS.
 
Las Vegas Municipal Airport (KLVS)
1600     Presentation, Community event
1830     Social and Dinner
Las Vegas History presentation
Overnight: Historic 1882 Plaza Hotel http://www.plazahotellvnm.com/

Sunday, February 18

Breakfast at the Plaza Hotel
View historic sites enroute to KGNT

Grants-Milan Airport (KGNT)
1130     Presentation, Community event
Lunch at the ‘60s-style WOW Diner
Tour Cibola County Airway Museum
View airway markers, Painted Desert, and Meteor Crater enroute to KINW

Winslow-Lindbergh Regional Airport (KINW)
See the original TAT hangar and terminal & enjoy “Standin’ on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona”

Overnight and dinner at La Posada/Turquoise Room or other accommodations of your choosing.  http://laposada.org/

Monday, February 19 (Presidents Day)
Breakfast on your own, depart for home.

LOEFI 2016 Awards & Photos

LOEFI 2016 Award Winners

Best Homebuilt – Robert Anderson, Santa Fe;  Vans RV-8
Best Vintage – Ryan Carson, Albuquerque; Luscombe RE Silvaire
Best Contemporary – Jean-Pierre Held, Santa Fe; Cessna C-180V
Best Warbird – Chuck Swanberg, Sandia Park; Ryan L-17B
Furthest Home Airport – Tom Navar, El Paso; Cessna 180
Oldest Aircraft – Kurt Winker, Los Lunas;  Piper J-3 Cub (1942)
People’s Choice – William Dubois, Santa Rosa; Ercoupe 415-C/D

High res Winner pics

Exhibitors LOEFI 2016

Fly the Ford Tri-Motor 2018

HISTORY of 2018 TriMotor Visit – PUBLISHED ON MAR 4, 2024.
PHOTO GALLERY ADDED AT BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

JOIN US for Food, History, the Aircraft – TRIPLE Fun!

Nov 15, 2pm – 5pm
Nov 16 – 18,  9am – 5pm daily, weather permitting
Double Eagle II Airport, Albuquerque

BOOK A FLIGHT!  Or for more info, call 1-877 952-5395
Fly the Ford!  $70 adults (advance); $75 adults (walk-up);  $50 For 17 & under

Tickets are for a particular day, seating is first come, first served.

Join us to celebrate the return of a 1928 Ford Tri-Motor 5-AT-B, an aircraft that helped develop the first commercial air service across the United States.  Bring the family and your camera; viewing the aircraft is FREE.

See this article from the Albuquerque Journal

This relic of aviation history, affectionately called the “Tin Goose”, was the largest civilian passenger aircraft of its time.  Albuquerque shares this unique history, serving as a key stop along the 1920’s Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT) route.  Still remaining are concrete arrows, foundations for navigation beacons which guided pilots along the route.

History Presentations and Displays

Ongoing displays by the CCHS Airway Heritage Museum at the Grants-Milan Airport and the Albuquerque Cavalcade of Wings will highlight early navigation methods, New Mexico’s TAT role, and remaining area beacon stations and concrete arrows.

Book signing by Robert F. Kirk, author of “Flying the Lindbergh Line:  Then and Now”, the TAT’s Historic Aviation Vision. Robert, and his wife Vicki flew the entire route, researching what remains and will be on hand to share their stories. 

FOOD and FUN!

EAA 179’s Susie Reimer has homemade goodies planned, such as coffee cakes and cookies!  Hot dogs and fajitas, too!  All free!  Donations encouraged to support EAA Chapter 179’s aviation scholarship fund.

The Golden Age of Aviation – an unforgettable experience for all ages!

Picture Yourself HERE

EAA_Liberty_TriMotor

Directions to Double Eagle II Airport:   Take I-40 or Paseo del Norte west to Atrisco Blvd.  Follow airport signs to main parking lot (FREE Parking).  7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd; Albuquerque, NM  87120

For weather updates, check our Facebook page:  Facebook.com/EAA179.

GALLERY OF PHOTOS FROM Tri-Motor Visit 2018