Hello – EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!
February 2026 Chapter 179 Gathering
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Join us – in person! Visitors Welcome
5:00 PM — “No Host” Dinner at BJs Restaurant & Brewhouse
6:15 PM — Introductions and Program
Arrive anytime from 5:00 and dinner is not required.
Program: 3D Printing and Aviation – Pedal Planes and Flight Simulators
By Mike Paxson
Long time EAA 179 member Mike Paxson will cover a brief history and explanation of 3D printing followed by his printing journey over the past several years. He will highlight his original inspiration in flight simulators followed by the design and printing of PedalPlane accessories.
Mike has been 3D printing for the last several years. He originally delved into this hobby after viewing an online video showing how to print and build a replica Supermarine Spitfire Spade Grip for flight simulators.
Fast forward to today, he now prints these flight simulator controls and ships them around the country. In addition to flight simulator controls, he has designed and printed accessories for PedalPlanes using self-taught 3D CAD. These accessories have been featured in EAA179 PedalPlanes raffled at LOEFI and have found themselves in other PedalPlanes around the country.
Mike was introduced to aviation by his grandfather who after enlisting his help to work on or wash the aircraft would say something like, “Wanna go? We need to make sure it still flies!” Mike has been an EAA179 chapter member since 2017, served as LOEFI chair in 2019 and 2023, and shared a personal flight simulator for our Aviation Academy (ultimately donating it).
Where: BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse at Cottonwood Mall 10000 Coors Blvd, Albuquerque.
Directions: Head North or South bound on Coors Blvd to Cottonwood Mall, 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. We hope to see you there!
Last Updated on February 3, 2026 by Main Administrator