EAA Chapter 430From the Left Seat
Open the PDF at page 1 See the whole July 2026 issue
Happy July! The 250th celebration of our nation was a spectacular event, including the many flyovers of the evolution of aviation in the US. Over 120 years ago two brothers announced they could fly. It turns out they were Wright.
It’s been a busy month for EAA430. We substituted the VMC/IMC club meeting this month for a fund raiser to purchase a propeller balancer. We had a blast determining the best chili (Jeanne Hansen), Aidan kept winning all the prizes, and the jokes were just sublime. The generous people attending the event donated almost $1600 for a top-notch balancer which will benefit chapter members for years in the future.
A couple of days later, we introduced 44 Young Eagles to the skies above. As you will read, many volunteers made a delightful event for these perspective aviators and their parents. I am proud to report that I just received a certificate and polo shirt for flying over 100 Young Eagles. That was done pretty much one-at-a-time in the GlaStar. The Sportsman is much better!
The following day Rob and Joanna Stephens hosted the 2nd annual dinner for the Board of Directors. It was a fabulous event at their house and even included a clinic on how to win at Corn Hole.
Breaking News! The annual Poker Run is on! See the announcement in this newsletter for more information. Aidan is planning to get stamps at every airport on the list. Get in on the BIG poker game at the August Gathering and win big prizes.
Here’s an update on some of our new aviators: Jazmin recently received her Private Pilot License, Sid just solo’d, Gunner is on the last stage of his Certified Flight Instructor, and Aidan has applied for the Horizon Air Pilot program. How exciting is that?
Lisa and I will miss you again at the July Gathering as we will be representing the Chapter at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. Ernie will also be out, so Richard Howell is stepping into the breach to lead the Gathering. The Larrance’s from Olympic Field will provide the presentation.
Here’s hoping for blue skies and tailwinds, Ray