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 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 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