New Member Profiles: Steve and Maria Emley

• Tell us about your journeys and how you arrived in the Pacific Northwest. I was transferred to Kent, WA some 35 years ago and fell in love with the PNW.
• What inspired you to join the Experimental Aviation Association, and how did you first become interested in aviation? At 6 years old, my dad who was an instructor in the Army Air Corps, WWII, took me for a ride in a Stinson. He put me on pillows and said, “Put the nose on the horizon”. I remember exactly what I said, “Ok Dad, What’s a horizon?” After that I was hooked. All my friends built model cars but I always had airplanes! I got into control line flying and worked my way through PPL at 17, thinking I was going into the airlines. Things changed and family happened so I decided to build an airplane because I couldn’t afford to buy one. I found a Team MiniMax project that was nothing more than a Cuyuna 2 Stroke engine, a box of sticks and a set of drawings. I took 3 years but I finished it and put some 300 hours on that great little plane. Meanwhile, I joined EAA Chapter 1 at Flabob Airport and volunteered to be treasurer. I got to meet some aviation greats like Ed Marquardt (Charger) Bill Turner (DH-88 Comet Replica) and other Quiet Birdmen who were famous in their own right but quiet.
• Have you completed any aviation training or obtained any certifications? If so, which ones? Hang VI United States Hang Glider Association.

Private SEL Aerobatic Training Commercial Glider Tow Pilot (Piper Pawanee, Cessna Agwagon)

• What type of aircraft are you interested in building or flying, and what are your goals for your aviation pursuits? I have only owned three aircraft in my life. The MiniMax that I built, a Long EZ that I cared for, for almost 20 years and my current airplane, a Hatz CB-1 Biplane.

(STEVE AND MARIA EMLEY cont..)

• What other hobbies or interests do you have besides aviation? We sail a 40’ sailboat and enjoy the summers on these beautiful PNW waters.

• Have you attended any EAA events or activities in the past, and if so, which ones? Mostly flying and fly outs. Never been to Osh but maybe next year??

• Are you interested in participating in local chapter activities, such as fly-ins, workshops, Young Eagles? I see by your application you are interested in Young Eagles. Maria and I are interested in helping out when we can. Anytime you get airplane people together, we seem to have a great time. Young Eagles are primarily why we joined. Something about that ear to ear grin on the kids faces while they tell their parents how great it was!

• What skills or knowledge do you bring to the EAA community, and how do you hope to contribute? I’ve flown for over 50 years without an accident or incident (so far). I’m a 3000 hour VFR pilot skilled in stick and rudder flying.

• What do you hope to gain from your membership in the EAA, and how do you plan to make the most of your involvement? Having fun meeting new folks and helping kids realize the GIFT OF FLIGHT. -ejp