EAA Chapter 430Chapter News
Congratulations, Kevin Tracy, Our Newest Sport Pilot
Kevin Tracy passed his Sport Pilot checkride on August 31, 2026. He called it the realization of a lifelong dream and thanked his CFI, Bill Shepherd, and examiner, Cecilia Aragon.
Fly-Out to Orcas Island: Picnic, Ice Cream, and a New Pilot at the Controls
15 members and friends flew to Orcas Island in August for a picnic and an ice cream walk into Eastsound.
A Change of Plans Leads to a Sunny Fly-Out at Jefferson County
Aiden Lara planned July's fly-out to Pierce County, but a forecast of 97°F at lunchtime led him to change the destination. With Westport forecast to turn IFR to marginal VFR, the group met at Jefferson County International on July 22 for lunch at the Spruce Goose Café: 15 people, 9 airplanes, and 3 who drove in.
Perfect Weather for 42 Young Eagles at the July Rally
The chapter's second Young Eagles rally of 2026 flew a manageable group of 42 kids on July 11 in perfect weather. Kevin and Charlene Tracy made lunch for the crew, and Bud's static airplane display kept the kids interested while they waited for their flights.
Chili Bingo Night Brings a Prop Balancer to Our Tool Crib
The July 8 Chili Bingo night raised $1,585 toward a DynaVibe GX3 propeller balancer for the chapter tool crib, and Jeanne Hansen won the chili tasting. Ernie Hansen has already balanced two props at a $200 donation each. Once the tool is paid off, further prop balancing donations will go into the scholarship fund.
Teamwork Gets 55 Young Eagles into the Air
The chapter's first Young Eagles rally of 2026 flew 55 kids on June 6, a day of some clouds, a bit of sunshine, a little breeze, and even a few sprinkles. Pilot turnout was terrific, including two pilots taking part for the first time, and volunteers kept an eye out for the "right-seaters" who would get the most from a few moments at the controls.
Fly-Out to Packwood: Mountain Views, a Mexican Lunch, and Good News About Dave
Ten members flew to Packwood for the May fly-out, with excellent weather and fine views of Mt Rainier and Mt Adams. On the way, the group heard an engine failure emergency unfold on 121.5 MHz and later learned the pilot was member Dave Gardner, who handled it and landed in a field without injury. Lunch was a Mexican fiesta at Nacho's Restaurant.
Life and Little Airports: Members Share Their Airstrip Stories
The April newsletter looked at how members' lives are woven together by the little airports around us. Dave Woodcock tells of building a Seafire amphibian and living at Blakely Island and Blue Ribbon Farms, Tim Alentiev remembers a generous neighbor at Crest Air Park, and Dave Miller explains how a Cherokee 140 and many trips to Friday Harbor led to romance.
A Flat Tire, a No-Go Call, and the Case for a Go-Bag
After lunch on a monthly chapter fly-out, Brownie found his RV-9A's nose tire going flat. A new tube arrived, but with daylight running out he made a no-go decision, stayed the night, and flew home on top the next afternoon. His lesson: keep a small go-bag with prescriptions, chargers, and a toothbrush in the airplane and the car, just in case.
Aiden Lara Comes Full Circle, From Young Eagle to Young Eagles Pilot
Aiden Lara took his first Young Eagles flight at age eight in 2013 and earned his Private Pilot certificate in August 2024. In the summer of 2025 he flew Young Eagles himself, in the same Cessna 172 that once carried him. His full story is on our Scholarships page.
A Smooth Autumn Fly-Out to Roche Harbor, Led by Aidan Lara
Aidan Lara coordinated his first chapter fly-out, an October 27 trip to Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. Seventeen people in 8 planes enjoyed clear, smooth skies, a walk down into town, lunch at the Lime Kiln Café, and the café's homemade doughnuts. It was one of the chapter's largest fly-out turnouts of 2025.
Nineteen Players and $540 for Scholarships at Our 2025 Poker Run
Nineteen pilots qualified for the chapter's fifth Poker Run by visiting at least 5 of 15 listed airports in August and September, and this year nearby EAA chapters were invited to join. Two games were played after the September 27 meeting, Emily Westcott and Aidan Lara won a special prize for flying to all 15 airports, and the $540 collected went to the scholarship fund.