Category Archives: LOEFI

LOEFI 2023 Awards & Photos

Awards were given for aircraft in 6 categories plus Most Distant Flyin and Grand Champion. Pilots opted to have their aircraft included in the judging when they registered. An award was also given for the People’s Choice, based on ballots cast by visitors to LOEFI 2023.

  • A team of Chapter members then appraised each aircraft, considering appearance and other subjective considerations. Judging took place between 0830 and 1130.
  • Attendees were given the opportunity to cast a ballot for the “People’s Choice” award.
  • Based on information provided by the pilots when they registered, the award for “Most Distant Flyin” 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 not present.)
  • A framed photo of the winning aircraft will also be provided honoring their recognition as winners at LOEFI 2023.

Congratulations 2023 Award Winners

Award Recipient Aircraft Tail #
Best Plans Built Martin DiStefano Steen Skybolt N117JR
Best Kit Built Tom Dollmeyer Glassair Super II FT N59CL
Best Contemporary Michael McCann Cessna 206 Stationair N5716J
Best Classic Larry Shapnek Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser N4159M
Best LSA/Trike Janet Crosby Zlin Savage iCub – LSA N3311
Best Warbird Phil Phillips L-19 Birddog N219TH
Most Distant Fly-In William Wright Cessna C-172 Skyhawk N35627
People’s Choice Rodney Jarrell Vans RV-10 N104AZ
Grand Champion Rodney Jarrell Vans RV-10 N104AZ
       
Honorable Mention Mike Paxson P-51 Pedal Plane 413984

LOEFI 2023 Award Winners

Again this year, 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 Raymond Alderete

 

 

 

LOEFI 2022 – Raffle

Three truly great prizes are being offered this year.  Tickets $10 each or buy six for $50. Drawing after 2pm at LOEFI.  You do not have to be present to win. Buy tickets online now! Your ticket stub will be emailed to you. Use PayPal or you can pay by Credit Card by selecting GUEST checkout.

 

EAA179 Pedal Plane Raffle Tickets – select quantity

You do not need to be present to win.  Winners shall take delivery of prizes Double Eagle II Airport (other arrangements at discretion of EAA179 volunteers).  Proceeds benefit EAA Chapter 179 and our charitable causes including Scholarship Fund, Building Fund, Aviation Academy, Young Eagles events, and supporting local aircraft builders.

Grand Prize:  Homebuilt Pedal Plane  (Value:  Priceless!)

A truly one-of-a-kind prize, designed and built by chapter member Mike Paxson. This is positively a work of art, as you can see in the photos below. Note that the “drive shaft” for the pedals is connected to rotate the propeller – so fun!  The prop turns as the plane moves forward!  Color scheme, panel layout, and N number mimics that of our chapter build RV-12 which recently took flight.  Depends on weight but typically, the pilot can be up to age 7.

2nd Prize:  Flying Pup Whirlygig ($70 value)

Show the neighbors your interest in aviation and adventurous pups!

3rd Prize: An autographed and framed Chile Flight poster – PRICELESS!

Designed by chapter member Phil Thompson, the unsigned posters are for sale by EAA 179.  Stop by our booth. This 3rd raffle prize is a special framed poster, signed by Chile Flight pilots.

LOEFI 2023 – Raffle

EAA 179 Raffles – BUY ONLINE HERE!

Tickets $10 each or buy six for $50. Drawing after 2pm at LOEFI.  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 Pedal Plane – A truly one-of-a-kind prize, designed and built by chapter member Mike Paxson. This is positively a work of art.  This year’s plane is modeled after a P-51 with military markings. Note that the “drive shaft” for the pedals is connected to rotate the propeller – so fun!  The prop turns as the plane moves forward!  Depends on weight but typically, the pilot can be up to age 7.



EAA179 Pedal Plane Raffle – Select quantity



 

RAFFFLE #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.
 



Two Southwest Airlines Tickets – Select quantity



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 including Scholarship Fund, Building Fund, Aviation Academy, Young Eagles events, and supporting local aircraft builders.

 ALSO at LOEFI 2023:  Chile Flight posters for sale – $5

Designed by chapter member Phil Thompson, these inspiring posters featuring our favorite formation flying team are for sale by EAA 179 to support our programs.  Stop by our EAA179 tent, just inside the entrance.

LOEFI 2023 – Welcome Pilots

Flying into LOEFI Staying Overnight Activities

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 and attending seminars, and sharing your passion for flying and aviation with other pilots and the public.

  • Seminars:  Flying the New Mexico Backcountry (0830-0945, WINGS) and How to Communicate w/Confidence and Clarity – Wendy Smith, ABQ Air Traffic Controller (1015-1130, WINGS)  – see schedule.
  • 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 cookout by EAA 179 on the field for campers.
  • Aircraft Awards: Best Plans Built; Best Kit Built, Contemporary (1971 – present); Classic (prior to 1971); LSA/Trike; Warbird; Most Distant Fly-in, People’s Choice; LOEFI Grand Champion (judge’s choice). Presentation 1230-1300.

Pilots – FLYING IN

  • Check Airport Data (SkyVector) . Note taxiway changes since 2018 which require crossing runway 22/04 from runway 17/35.
    • Inbound: Listen to AWOS on 119.025.
      • On first call, give distance and direction from airport. NOTE: tower controllers now have radar!
      • If arriving just for the Fly-In, after landing tell Double Eagle Ground that you are “going to the Fly In”.  Expect to taxi to parking in the tie-down area on the north ramp. See the airport diagram (.PDF).
    • Parking, fuel, and Fly-in Registration:
      • Camping arrivals – you may park in the grass area (at own risk) just west of North Ramp (see Ramp Map) or in the North Ramp tie down area.
      • Parking in front of Bode FBO is reserved for transient aircraft. Double Eagle II Airport information: Airnav
      • Bode FBO will provide fuel off truck at self serve price. Fuel island will be closed.
      • Tie downs are limited; please bring chocks and ropes.
    • Outbound: Accessing runway 17/35 from the ramp requires crossing runway 22/04. Also, there are new run up areas at both Runway 22 and Runway 17. Contact ground before proceeding FROM runup areas TO the runway unless otherwise instructed.  If you have questions, contact the Tower.

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

    • If you are staying over in Albuquerque, ask for special “Bode Aviation” rates at Rio Grande Best Western.  Rental cars ARE available on prior request via Bode Aviation FBO.
    • On-field Camping for Pilots and CrewAirplane camping is available on the field (KAEG) Friday & Saturday nights
      • Upon arrival, tell Ground Control that you are here for LOEFI and camping, for directions to the camping area. See event ramp map.
      • Bring your tent and airplane tie-down stakes and ropes!  Camping area is the grass area adjacent to the north ramp and on the north ramp itself.  See ramp map. 
      • Fly-In Cookout Friday night, 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, 0700-1500
      • Bode’s Bombing Range Café on the field open 0800 – 1400 Fri, Sat, & Sunday
      • If you plan to camp or have questions, please eMail Chet Leach chetleach@msn.com or loefi@eaa179.org

Pilots – ACTIVITIES AT THE FLY-IN!

  • Two general areas will be 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.
  • Upon arrival, please stop by the Pilot Registration tent for a goodie bag and if to be judged, specify the award category.
  • Here is the schedule of activities of special interest for pilots (and crewmembers). Note in particular the WINGS Seminars. Check here for the complete Schedule of Activities  and Exhibitors.
    • 0830 – 0945 • WINGS Safety Seminar – “Flying the New Mexico Backcountry” – Ron Keller, NMPA
    • 1015 – 1130  • WINGS Safety Seminar – “How to Communicate w/Confidence and Clarity” – Wendy Smith, ABQ Air Traffic Controller
    • 1100 • Aircraft Judging closes, People’s Choice ballots due
    • 1230 – 1300 • Aircraft Awards Presentation, EAA 179
  • Food trucks on hand for Saturday breakfast and lunch, 0700 – 1500
  • 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 (1971 to present), Best Classic (prior to 1971), Best Warbird
    • Public Voting: People’s Choice (closes at 1130)
    • Special:  Most Distant Fly-In
    • Grand Champion (judge’s choice)
  • Aircraft Judging concludes at 1100, Award presentations 1230-1300

LOEFI 2023 – Schedule

** Of special interest to Pilots
0700   •  Gates Open;  Static Aircraft & Car Club displays
0700 – 1500  •  Food trucks Open
Great food! Your purchases support our scholarship fund!

Pop-Pop’s Italian Ice – Italian sodas
One Stop Chill n’ Fill – Burgers, burritos, nachos, fries, etc
Mi Taco Su Taco – tacos, quesadillas, nachos
2 Guys 1 Grill – Burgers, fries, etc
Hot Box 505 – Pulled pork, tacos, fries, Frito pies, quesadillas
Cielo Azul Foods – Hotdogs, Frito pies, nachos, treats
Loaded Lemon – Lemonades

0730 – 0900  •   Volcano Vista HS Guitarists and the Volcano Vista HS Dance Team kick off the day! 
0800  •  Opening Ceremony & Presentation of the Colors
by Civil Air Patrol, NM Wing
0815  •  Exhibit Hall, Youth Aviators Center, Builders’ Corner open; Aircraft Judging Begins
0830 – 0945  •  ** WINGS Safety Seminar: “Flying the New Mexico Backcountry” – Ron Keller, NM Pilots Association  (EAA 179 Hangar)
0900 – 1100  •  “Crazy Bird” band
1000   •  EAA179’s 60th Anniversary Celebration
10151130  • ** WINGS Safety Seminar – “How to Communicate w/Confidence and Clarity” – Wendy Smith, ABQ Air Traffic Controller (EAA179 hangar)
1130  •  Aircraft Judging closes, People’s Choice ballots due
1230 – 1300  •  ** Aircraft Awards Presentation – EAA179
1300 – 1500  •   “Fretnaughts” band
1400  •  Raffle Prize Drawings:  Custom Pedal Plane!  Two roundtrip Southwest Airlines tickets!  
1500  •  Exhibit Hall, Youth Aviators Center, Aircraft Builders’ Corner close

Live Music throughout the day!
Start the day with live music, including the Star Spangled Banner for the Opening Ceremony.
Mid-morning is Crazy Bird, a contemporary band with a few Air Force pilots!
Headlining in the afternoon slot, Fretnaughts with a 70’s feel.
Enjoy the Volcano Vista Dance Team throughout the day!

Updated 09/8/2023-jmw, 09/17/2023-goy

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 2023 – Raffles

Congrats to 2023 Raffle Winners!

THANKS to EVERYONE who participated!  Stay Tuned for next year! 

Pedal Plane Winner:  Jill Hunter
Southwest Airlines Tickets Winner:  Virginia Clark

Pedal Plane Raffle

Jill Hunter

Southwest Airlines Tickets

Virginia Clark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tickets $10 each or buy six for $50. Drawing after 2pm Sept 23 during LOEFI.  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 by selecting GUEST checkout.

RAFFLE #1:  Homebuilt Pedal Plane

A truly one-of-a-kind prize, designed and built by chapter member Mike Paxson.  This one is a P-51 Mustang.  Positively a work of art, and the pedal “drive shaft” rotates the propeller as it moves forward – so fun!  Depends on weight but typically, the pilot can be up to age 7.

 

 

 

 

 

RAFFLE #2:  Two roundtrip Southwest Airline domestic flights

Two E-Pass domestic certificates valid for any published and scheduled service in the United States, its territories and possessions, including Puerto Rico.  A HUGE THANKS to Southwest Airlines and tireless volunteers, Raymond and Cynthia Alderete who earned these tickets through volunteering with our chapter.


Winners for both raffles shall take prize delivery at Double Eagle II Airport (other arrangements at EAA 179 discretion).  Proceeds benefit EAA Chapter 179 and our charitable purposes, primarily aviation scholarships.

LOEFI 2022 – Welcome Pilots

Flying into LOEFI Staying Overnight Activities

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 and attending seminars, and sharing your passion for flying and aviation with other pilots and the public.

  • Seminars:  Flying the New Mexico Backcountry (0830-0945, WINGS) and Better Use of ATFs and NWS Weather Resources (1015-1130, WINGS)  – see schedule.
  • 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 cookout by EAA 179 on the field for campers and event volunteers.
  • Aircraft Awards: Best Plans Built; Best Kit Built, Contemporary (1971 – present); Classic (prior to 1971); LSA/Trike; Warbird; Most Distant Fly-in, People’s Choice; LOEFI Grand Champion (judge’s choice). Presentation at 1230.

Pilots – FLYING IN TO LOEFI for the Fly-In

  • Check Airport Data (SkyVector) . Note taxiway changes since 2018 which require crossing runway 22/04 from runway 17/35.
    • Inbound: Listen to AWOS on 119.025.
      • On first call, give distance and direction from airport. NOTE: tower controllers now have radar!
      • If arriving just for the Fly-In, after landing tell Double Eagle Ground that you are “going to the Fly In”.  Expect to taxi to parking in the tie-down area on the north ramp. See the airport diagram (.PDF).
    • Parking, fuel, and Fly-in Registration:
      • Camping arrivals – you may park in the grass area (at own risk) just west of North Ramp (see Ramp Map) or in the North Ramp tie down area.
      • Parking in front of Bode FBO is reserved for transient aircraft. Double Eagle II Airport information: Airnav
      • Bode FBO will provide fuel off truck at self serve price. Fuel island will be closed.
      • Tie downs are limited; please bring chocks and ropes.
    • Outbound: Accessing runway 17/35 from the ramp requires crossing runway 22/04. Also, there are new run up areas at both Runway 22 and Runway 17. Contact ground before proceeding FROM runup areas TO the runway unless otherwise instructed.  If you have questions, contact the Tower.

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

    • If you are staying over in Albuquerque, ask for special “Bode Aviation” rates at Rio Grande Best Western.  Rental cars ARE available on prior request via Bode Aviation FBO.
    • On-field Camping for Pilots and CrewAirplane camping is available on the field (KAEG) Friday & Saturday nights
      • Upon arrival, tell Ground Control that you are here for LOEFI and camping, for directions to the camping area. See event ramp map.
      • Bring your tent and airplane tie-down stakes and ropes!  Camping area is the grass area adjacent to the north ramp and on the north ramp itself.  See ramp map. 
      • Fly-In Cookout Friday and Saturday nights, hosted by EAA Chapter 179
      • Food trucks open for the Fly-In, 0700-1500
      • Bode’s Bombing Range Café on the field open 0800 – 1400 Fri, Sat, & Sunday
      • If you plan to camp, please eMail Arnold Bronson (arnoldbronson@icloud.com) or loefi@eaa179.org, or send questions or inquiries to them

Pilots – ACTIVITIES AT THE FLY-IN!

  • Two general areas will be 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.
  • Upon arrival, please stop by the Pilot Registration tent for a goodie bag and if to be judged, specify the award category.
  • Here is the schedule of activities of special interest for pilots (and crewmembers). Note in particular the WINGS Seminars. Check here for the complete Schedule of Activities  and Exhibitors.
    • 0830 – 0945 • WINGS Safety Seminar – “Flying the New Mexico Backcountry” – NMPA
    • 1015 – 1145  • WINGS Safety Seminar – “Better Use of TAFs and NWS Weather Resources Online”, by David Craft, National Wx Service Forecast Office
    • 1100 • Aircraft Judging closes, People’s Choice ballots due
    • 1230 – 1300 • Gathering of Pilots for Group Photo and Aircraft Awards Presentation, EAA 179
  • Food trucks on hand for Saturday breakfast and lunch, 0700 – 1500
  • Continuing our tradition, we will have awards, some determined by our panel of judges, others voted on by the visiting public, and other special awards. The categories this year are:
    • For Judging: Best Plans Built, Best Kit Built, Best Contemporary (1971 to present), Best Classic (prior to 1971), Best Warbird
    • Public Voting: People’s Choice (closes at 1130)
    • Special:  Most Distant Fly-In
    • Grand Champion (judge’s choice)
  • Aircraft Judging concludes at 1100, Award presentations at 1230