Category Archives: LOEFI

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 2023 – Sponsors & Exhibitors

THANK YOU LOEFI 2023 Exhibitors / Sponsors

TURQUOISE SPONSORS ($2000 and up)
City of Albuquerque Aviation Dept / Double Eagle II Airport

 

GOLD SPONSORS ($1000 and up)
NMDOT Aviation Division 

 

BRONZE SPONSORS ($100 and up)
Air One Systems – FAA Certified Avionics Shop
Bolder Flight Systems
CSI Aviation
Fly Taos Sky
GAMI – aviation fuel
High Country Air Service
High Flying Hangars
JetMed Flight Physicals – Rita Dodge, MD, AME
Merlin Aviation
Positive Energy Solar
Cielo Azul Foods
Hot Box 505
Loaded Lemon
Mi Taco Su Taco
One Stop Chill n’ Fill
Pop-Pop’s Italian Ice
2 Guys 1 Grill

MORE LOEFI 2023 EXHIBITORS 
Airway Heritage Museum – Cibola County Historical Society
Albuquerque TRACON – ABQ Air Traffic Control
Albuquerque Center – ZAB ARTCC
Albuquerque Aviation Academy (SAMS Academy)
Albuquerque Soaring Club
Angel Flight South Central
Cavalcade of Wings – Albuquerque
Civil Air Patrol, New Mexico Wing
CNM Aviation Technology
Commemorative Air Force – Lobo Wing
Double Eagle Aviation Academy – EAA 179
Duke City Electric Flyers
EAA Chapter 179
KOAT Sky 7
National Weather Service – ABQ Forecast Office
National Weather Service – ZAB Center Wx Service Unit
New Mexico Pilots Association
Recreational Aviation Foundation
US Southwest Soaring Museum – Moriarty
Roadrunner Convoy – military vehicle display
Tuskegee Airmen – Gen Lloyd W. Newton Chapter
Volcano Vista High School Dance Team
Women in Aviation – Land of Enchantment Chapter

 

IN KIND DONORS – Thank you!

Albuquerque Wholesale Envelope & Paper Co
Bode Aviation
Culligan Water – 1111 San Mateo Blvd NE
Highway Supply – Albuquerque
Southwest Airlines

 

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.

 

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.

2023 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 Chapter 179; 7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd NW #179; Albuquerque, NM 87120. Thank you!

 

2022 Exhibitor Slideshow

In Kind Donations – Always appreciated!  These support our youth activities, Friday night LOEFI cookout for campers, lunch for CAP volunteers, 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

Land of Enchantment Fly-In (LOEFI)

Mark the Date!  LOEFI 2024 is September 21

2023 AIRCRAFT AWARD WINNERS
2023 Raffle Winners
!Thanks to our Exhibitors/Sponsors

2023 Schedule   Ramp Map

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.   Ramp Map
  • 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!
  • Enter to WIN a custom-made PEDAL PLANE OR Two Southwest Airlines roundtrip tickets!
  • 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!

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 Dance Team is participating again this year.  See our full list of Sponsors and Exhibitors here.

WANT TO VOLUNTEER?  Sign up Online HERE, or 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 09/18/2023/jw

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 – 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

LOEFI 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

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
1015 – 1130  •  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

LOEFI 2021 – Welcome Pilots

Flying into LOEFI Staying Overnight Activities

2022 Details Coming Soon!  Expect similar to 2021, only better!

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, Electric Aircraft, Formation Flying – see schedule.
  • Camping:  NEW THIS YEAR!  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).

Pilots – FLYING IN TO LOEFI

  • Check Airport Diagram and Date (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!
      • 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 new airport diagram (.PDF).
    • Parking, fuel, and Fly-in Registration: Bode will provide fuel off truck at self serve price. Tie downs are limited; please bring chocks and ropes.
      • Parking in front of Bode FBO is reserved for transient aircraft. Self Serve fuel island will be closed. Double Eagle II Airport information: Airnav
    • 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 and Econolodge on Central Ave.  Rental cars ARE available on prior request via Bode Aviation FBO.

    • New for 2021 – On-field Camping for Pilots and crew.

      Airplane camping is being offered on the field at KAEG for Friday & Saturday nights.

      • Bring your tent and airplane tie-down stakes and ropes! Camping is offered in a grass area adjacent to the north ramp and on the north ramp itself. Check the ramp layout for greater detail.
      • Fly-In Cookout Friday night, hosted by EAA Chapter 179.
      • Food trucks will set up for the Fly-In, 0700-1500. Bombing Range Café on the field open 0800 – 1400 Fri/Sunday.
      • Upon arrival, tell Ground Control that you are here for LOEFI and camping, to receive directions to the camping area.
      • if you plan to camp, please send eMail to 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, where you will receive a T-shirt, a goodie bag plus make your choice for 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 – 1130  • 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 for Group Photo and d Aircraft Awards Presentation, EAA 179
    • 1330 – 1430 •  Public Presentation – “Formation Flying”, by Chile Flight
  • Food trucks will be on hand for breakfast and lunch.
  • 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
    • Special:  Most Distant Fly-In
    • Grand Champion (judge’s choice)
    • Judging will conclude at 1130 hours, presentations will be at 1230 hours.

Updated 08/25/2021

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 2021 – Pilots: Flying In? or Driving?

New for 2021 – On-field Camping for Pilots and crew.

Airplane camping is being offered on the field at KAEG for Friday & Saturday nights.

    • Bring your tent and tie-downs!
    • Fly-In Cookout Friday night.
    • Bombing Range Café on the field open 0800 – 1400 Fri/Sat/Sunday.
    • eMail to loefi@eaa179.org with questions or inquiries.

Check back in August for updates for LOEFI 2021
Information below is from LOEFI 2019.

IF YOU ARE FLYING IN TO LOEFI, BE ADVISED …

  • Construction in 2018 has been completed and the new taxiways are in use. Check the AFD for details.
    • Inbound: Listen to AWOS on 119.025.
      • On first call, give distance and direction from airport. NOTE: tower controllers now have radar!
      • 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 new airport diagram (.PDF).
    • Parking, fuel, and Fly-in Registration: Bode will provide fuel off truck at self serve price. Tie downs are limited; please bring chocks and ropes.
      • Parking in front of Bode FBO is reserved for transient aircraft. Self Serve fuel island will be closed. Double Eagle II Airport information: Airnav
    • 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.

STAYING A NIGHT, Friday or Saturday? 

  • If you are staying over in Albuquerque, ask for special “Bode Aviation” rates at Rio Grande Best Western and Econolodge on Central Ave.  Rental cars ARE available on prior request via Bode Aviation FBO.

AT THE FLY-IN!

  • Two general areas will be set up for aircraft – 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, where you will receive a T-shirt, a goodie bag plus make your choice for award category.
  • Check here for the Schedule of Activities  and Exhibitors.  Note in particular the WINGS Seminars:
    • 0900 – 1015  • Backcountry Flying in New Mexico –  New Mexico Pilots Association (NMPA) Backcountry Committe
    • 1030 – 1130  • Explore Instrument Flying Scenarios with EAA 179’s IMC Club
    • 1045 – 1200  •  High Performance Experimental Aircraft and Homebuilt Safety  – Will Fox
  • 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: Kit Built, Plans Built, Contemporary (1971 – present); Classic (prior to 1970); LSA/Trike; Warbird, Most Distant Fly-in, LOEFI Grand Champion
    • Public Voting: People’s Choice
    • Special:  Most Distant Fly-In
    • Judging will conclude at 1130 hours, presentations will be at 1300 hours.

Back to LOEFI Main Page
Updated 05/18/2021-goy