Category Archives: LOEFI

LOEFI 2022 Awards

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

Photos Coming Soon!

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

 

HISTORY:    2021 Awards

Below are photos of the LOEFI 2021 winning aircraft. (2022 photos coming soon!)

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 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.

PEDAL PLANE RAFFLE CLOSED.  Winners announced at the Sept 24 Fly-In.
Thanks to all who contributed! Great fun!

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 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 with group photo.

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 Crew – Airplane 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

LOEFI 2022 – Schedule

** Of special interest to Pilots

0700   •  Gates Open;  Static Aircraft & Car Club displays
0700 – 1500  •  Food trucks Open

Great food! And sales support our scholarship fund!

0730 – 0830  •   “Volcano Vista HS Marching Band” and the VVHS 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” – John Lorenz, NM Pilots Association
0900 – 1100  •  “Eileen and Cross Country” band
1015 – 1130  • ** WINGS Safety Seminar: “Better Use of TAFs and NWS Weather Resources Online”, by David Craft, National Wx Service Forecast Office
1130  •  Aircraft Judging closes, People’s Choice ballots due
1230 – 1300  •  ** Gathering of Pilots (Photo) and Aircraft Awards Presentation – EAA179
1300 – 1500  •   “Fretnaughts” band
1400  •  Raffle Prize Drawing:  Grand Prize, a Custom Pedal Plane!
1500  •  Exhibit Hall, Youth Aviators Center, Aircraft Builders’ Corner close

 

Live Music throughout the day!

Start the day with the Volcano Vista Marching Band, including the Star Spangled Banner for Opening Ceremony
Kicking off the festivities mid-morning is Eileen and Cross Country
Headlining in the afternoon slot, Fretnaughts
            Enjoy the Volcano Vista Dance Team throughout the day!

Updated 08/18/2022-jmw

LOEFI 2022 – Sponsors & Exhibitors

The Land of Enchantment Fly In provides a unique opportunity for aviation businesses and nonprofit organizations to reach out to pilots, homebuilders, and aviation enthusiasts of all ages while supporting the educational and charitable efforts of EAA Chapter 179.

Call for Exhibitors:  EAA Chapter 179 is now accepting reservations for displays in the Exhibit Hall and on the ramp.  Download the Exhibitor Form for details and reserve your space today!  To pay online, click this link, select payment amount and pay via Credit Card or PayPal:

PAY ONLINE – LOEFI Exhibitors

OR To pay by check, send to EAA 179; P.O. Box 3583; Albuquerque, NM 87190. Thank you!

Love what we do?  We offer various Sponsorship / Corporate Membership Levels, some include a LOEFI booth. Support our programs year-round!  All supporters are acknowledged in our newsletter.

LOEFI Exhibitors

GOLD SPONSORS ($1000 and up)
City of Albuquerque Aviation Dept / Double Eagle II Airport
NMDOT Aviation Division 

 

SILVER SPONSORS ($500 and up)
Affordable Solar
Guardian Flight

 

BRONZE SPONSORS ($100 and up)
Air One Systems – FAA Certified Avionics Shop
Albuquerque Soaring Club
BRAHN Sport Aircraft
Commemorative Air Force – Lobo Wing
CSI Aviation
Cubcrafters / Sun Country Cubs
Duke City Electric Flyers
High Country Air Service
Kit Crumpton, Self-Published Author and Speaker (B-29 contribution to WWII)
Recreational Aviation Foundation
US Southwest Soaring Museum – Moriarty

 

LOEFI 2022 EXHIBITORS
Airway Heritage Museum – Cibola County Historical Society
Albuquerque ATC
Albuquerque Police Dept
Angel Flight South Central
Aviation and Education Foundation
Bode Aviation
Cavalcade of Wings – Albuquerque
Civil Air Patrol, New Mexico Wing
CNM Aviation Technology
EAA Chapter 179
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Albuquerque Campus
FAA, Albuquerque FSDO
KOAT Sky 7
National Weather Service – ABQ Forecast Office
National Weather Service – ZAB Center Wx Service Unit
New Mexico Pilots Association
New Mexico State Police
Ninety-Nines, Rio Grande Norte Chapter
Roadrunner Convoy – military vehicle display
SAMS Academy / SSLC – charter schools
Tuskegee Airmen – Gen Lloyd W. Newton Chapter
Volcano Vista High School Dance Team
Women in Aviation – Land of Enchantment Chapter

 

In Kind Donations – Always appreciated!  These support our youth activities, Friday night volunteer cookout, Saturday night cookout for campers, and logistics for the overall event.  If you can help, let us know at chapter@eaa179.org

Past LOEFI Photo Shows 

2021 Exhibitors and Sponsors

2019

2016

Back to LOEFI Main Page

2022 Land of Enchantment Fly-In (LOEFI 2022)

HOLD THE DATE!   September 23, 2023

What is a Fly-In?      

Similar to a car show, aircraft fly in to be judged, while spectators get to see a gathering of amateur built, antique, military, and other unique aircraft — and meet their pilots, builders, and restorers!  Expected highlights include the Chile Flight (formation flying team), helicopters, gliders, ultralights, and static displays of remote-controlled aircraft.

What is there to do? 

  • Come early to see arriving aircraft and catch the 8AM Opening Ceremony!
  • Browse the Exhibit Hall with aviation businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
  • Learn about aviation education, careers, technology
  • Enjoy breakfast and lunch – food trucks on site all day!
  • Try riveting at the Builders’ Corner!  3D Printing!  Talk to aircraft builders!
  • Engage the kids in the Youth Aviators Center
  • PILOTS!  Attend SEMINARS about flying New Mexico and Weather; earn FAA WINGS credits!
  • Shop EAA 179′s Fly Mart;  buy used aviation treasures
  • Stroll the ramp of aircraft, MOPAR cars. See 2022 map of Fly-in Ramp layout
  • Celebrate milestones!  30th Anniversary of EAA Young Eagles!  50th Anniversary of Van’s Aircraft,  Van’s RV kit manufacturer; Completion of EAA 179’s RV-12!
  • Camping on KAEG for Fly-In Pilots – Cookouts Friday & Saturday evenings.
  • Raffle for a custom-made PEDAL PLANE!
  • Girls in Aviation Day – sponsored by Exhibitor, WAI-LOE  (Pre-registration required)

What to bring?  A refillable drinking water container, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and your camera!

Event COVID-19 information – subject to updates 

FREE Admission and parking, donations accepted. Any proceeds go towards activities supporting EAA Chapter 179’s mission including aviation scholarships, Double Eagle Aviation Adventure (teen STEM program), Young Eagles events, and youth outreach activities.  Questions? Contact us at chapter@eaa179.org

DRIVE IN DIRECTIONS to Double Eagle II Airport:

  • From Albuquerque (from the Big I): Take I-40 west to Atrisco Vista Blvd, turn north to the Double Eagle II airport, follow the signs to parking. (Google Map)
  • From Rio Rancho (from Paseo Del Norte and I-25): Take Paseo Del Norte Blvd NE westbound. It turns south becoming Atrisco Vista Blvd, to the Double Eagle II airport, follow the signs to parking. (Google Map)

Community Engagement

In addition to the members of EAA Chapter 179, many others contribute to making this a successful event each year. Volcano Vista High School band and Dance Team are participating this year!  See our full list of Sponsors and Exhibitors here.

WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Tell us of your interest by sending eMail to loefi@eaa179.org.   Other than support from airport or FBO personnel, this event is run completely by volunteers.

Updated 02/20/2023/goy

LOEFI 2021 Awards

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 – Raffles

New this year – RAFFLES for some truly great prizes.
—- Featured prizes plus Hourly Drawings (see below)

Featured Prizes
Drawings for the following will take place at 2PM. Need not be present to win.

  • L-19 Bird DogA Flight in an L-19 Bird Dog

Experience a thrilling flight starting from the Double Eagle II Airport, in this award-winning Vietnam era “Bird Dog” airplane with a flight lasting up to 30 minutes with devoted pilot John Lorenz

 

 

 

  • Commemorative Photo of EAA’s B-17 “Aluminum Overcast”

A beautiful close-up photo of EAA’s meticulously restored B-17 Bomber, Aluminum Overcast, taken when she came to Albuquerque on a nationwide tour stop in 2016. Done appropriately in monochrome on brushed aluminum, 16″x24″, ready for your home or office aviation gallery.

 

  • Chile Flight Wall Poster

An inspirational wall poster featuring the Chile Flight, Albuquerque’s own formation flight team in action. The poster is a 12″ x 18″ print framed in a 16″ x 22″ black border frame with glass and 4″ matting all around. And on the matting are signatures of the Chile Flight pilots. This is a true collector’s item!

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • A gorgeous hand-made throw-size quilt done in aviation and Americana theme.

A beautiful quilt produced by one of our wonderful chapter members. This work of art, inspired by an aerial photo in a recent issue of EAA’s Sport Aviation, depicts aircraft rows and rows of aircraft parked on the grass at Oshkosh Airventure- OSH 2021. (Click on the image for a closer view.).

PLUS HOURLY “PICK YOUR PRIZE” DRAWINGS
— Gift Cards to Local restaurants
— Home Depot goodies
— Museum Family Membership
— Home Decor

2021 Land of Enchantment Fly-In (LOEFI-2021)

FUN DAY, GREAT Wx, FANTASTIC TURNOUT!

Thanks to Fly-In and Showplane Pilots!
Thanks to Sponsors and Exhibitors – see list and more photos!

What’s a Fly-In?      

Similar to a car show, aircraft fly in to be judged, while spectators get to see a gathering of amateur built, antique and other unique aircraft — and meet their pilots, builders, and restorers!  Expected highlights include the Chile Flight (formation flying team), helicopters, gliders, ultralights, and static displays of remote controlled aircraft.

What’s there to do?

  • Come early to see aircraft as they arrive and catch the 8AM Opening Ceremony and flag raising
  • Browse the Exhibit Hall with aviation businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
  • Learn about aviation education, careers, technology,  in the Exhibit Hall and attending SEMINARS!
  • Enjoy  breakfast and lunch, food trucks on site all day!
  • Try riveting at the Builders’ Corner!  3D Printing!  Talk to builders!
  • Engage the kids in the Youth Aviators Center
  • PILOTS!  Attend SEMINARS about flying New Mexico; earn WINGS credits!
  • Shop at EAA 179′s Fly Mart and buy used aviation treasures
  • Stroll the ramp of aircraft, military vehicles, and cars. Click here for map of the Fly-in Ramp Layout for 2021.
  • New This Year: Camping on KAEG for Fly-In Pilots.
  • New This Year: Raffles for some truly great prizes.
  • Girls in Aviation Day – sponsored by Exhibitor, WAI-LOE  (Pre-registration required)

What to bring?  A refillable drinking water container, sun protection, comfortable shoes, your mask, and your camera!

Download  POSTER
Event COVID-19 information – subject to updates 

FREE Admission and parking, donations accepted. Any proceeds go towards activities supporting EAA Chapter 179’s mission including aviation scholarships, Double Eagle Aviation Adventure (teen STEM program), Young Eagles events, and youth outreach activities.  Questions? Contact us at chapter@eaa179.org

.

DRIVE IN DIRECTIONS to Double Eagle II Airport:

  • From Albuquerque (from the Big I): Take I-40 west to  Atrisco Vista Blvd, turn north to the Double Eagle II airport, follow the signs to parking. (Google Map)
  • From Rio Rancho (from Paseo Del Norte and I-25): Take Paseo Del Norte Blvd NE westbound. It turns south becoming Atrisco Vista Blvd, to the Double Eagle II airport, follow the signs to parking. (Google Map)

Community Engagement

In addition to the members of EAA Chapter 179, many others contribute to making this a successful event each year. See a list of Sponsors and Exhibitors here.

WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Tell us of your interest by sending eMail to loefi@eaa179.org.   Other than support from airport or FBO personnel, this event is run completely by volunteers.

Updated 08/25/2021-goy