chapter hangar
inception. In fact, Duane says the
Young Eagles program has also helped
their chapter sustain membership.
“Having a regular place to meet and
living in Atlanta with its good weather
year-round means we hold Young
Eagles rallies every third Saturday of the
month. We don’t have to advertise…
they just come through groups such as
schools, churches, and scouts.”
But EAA chapters aren’t just good
for the group; they’re good for the
individual. Duane says because of the
EAA chapter, he was able to restore his
Aeronca after he retired. “Plus, it’s given
me an opportunity of leadership that
I would not have had any other way.
By starting as a committee chairman…
it gave me the self-confidence that I
could also be the chapter president.”
In fact, Duane has served as president
twice and as vice president once and
now is the Young Eagles coordinator.
Duane suggests new chapters find
a regular place to meet so people
know where you’re located. And if
you have funding, build or purchase
a facility that suits your purposes.
“For instance, our facility has a
full kitchen that allows us to have a
pancake breakfast the first Saturday
of each month. We have a tool room
filled with tools that have either
been donated by chapter members
or purchased, so members can check
them out and use [them] to build
their own airplane. Plus, there is a
boardroom, a lounge, and a library….”
But one of the most important
things you can do is to attend the
EAA Chapter Leaders Academy,
Duane says. “It just gives you an
overview of what different chapters
are like, and you share a lot of ideas
and information. Plus it allows you
to feel the connection between
headquarters and the field…it
really inspires you.”
EAA Chapter 44 in Rochester,
New York, held its first official
meeting in 1958, says Norm Isler,
and today it has about 50 members
who span three areas of aviation—
homebuilders, fliers, and those who
just like to talk airplanes.
Norm says their chapter has
stayed strong because it holds
activities that interest and serve
their diverse audiences. “We’ve
become more family-centric,” he
says. “We try and vary our meetings.
We’ve even held events that don’t
EAA chapter members, from left, Jarrell Battaglia, Elise Isler, and Gain Isaac work at the Young Eagles sign-in/registration at Rochester Wings 2008. Chapter 44 flew 69 Young Eagles at this rally before the weather grounded flights. Standing are Dave Hurd and Marty Snow.
