EAA Chapter 1116 programs are possible because local businesses, aviation organizations, volunteers, and public servants share their time, facilities, knowledge, and enthusiasm. We are deeply grateful for the relationships that help us create aviation experiences, education, and opportunities throughout the Coachella Valley.
Thermal Aviation
Thermal Aviation is one of Chapter 1116’s most important aviation partners at Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport. It provides our regular meeting space and has helped host Young Eagles activities and major chapter events. Thermal Aviation also provided staff, operations space, and fuel that helped make the 2023 EAA Ford Tri Motor visit possible.
Flight simulator access
Through the generosity of Thermal Aviation and Dan Obradovich, the chapter has a simulator room and several flight training devices, including a Redbird. The simulators are available at no charge by advance arrangement to people working on an instrument rating, another certificate or rating, or structured proficiency practice. Contact Chapter 1116 before visiting so that access and supervision can be coordinated.
Desert Jet Center
Desert Jet Center at Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport has generously welcomed Chapter 1116 for Young Eagles events. Desert Jet Center also provided the facilities and staff that helped make our 2023 EAA Ford Tri Motor visit possible, giving local families a chance to experience a remarkable piece of aviation history.
See the 2023 Ford Tri Motor visit.
Signature Aviation at Palm Springs International Airport
Signature PSP has been a valued host for Chapter 1116 Young Eagles events over the years. Its support has helped our volunteer pilots and ground crews introduce young people and their families to general aviation at Palm Springs International Airport.
Local air traffic control outreach
We are grateful to Shyan Lasater and the participating controllers from Palm Springs Tower who have shared their time and expertise with Chapter 1116. Shyan has helped arrange tower visits during Young Eagles events, giving young people a firsthand look at air traffic control, aviation safety, and another rewarding career in aviation.
Local controller outreach also gives pilots and controllers opportunities to learn from one another through safety presentations and programs such as Coffee with Controllers. We look forward to developing more of these opportunities during the coming season.
Tower visits depend on FAA approval, security requirements, staffing, and operational workload. We will announce future opportunities after they are confirmed.
- Explore FAA Palm Springs airport safety resources
- Explore NATCA pilot and controller safety resources
Coachella Valley Radio Control Club
The Coachella Valley Radio Control Club is one of Chapter 1116’s most important local aviation partners. Its free Saturday training program and community outreach introduce people of all ages to model aviation and hands on flying with certified introductory pilot instructors.
Air & Space Forces Association, Palm Springs Chapter 134
AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 and EAA Chapter 1116 are building a growing relationship around aviation education and opportunities for young people. Together, our interests can help students discover paths into flying, aircraft maintenance, engineering, cybersecurity, military service, and the wider aerospace community.
Palm Springs Composite Squadron 11, Civil Air Patrol
Palm Springs Composite Squadron 11 is the Coachella Valley’s local Civil Air Patrol composite unit. The squadron serves cadets and adult volunteers through aviation and aerospace education, leadership development, emergency services, communications, and community service.
These are some of the people and organizations helping Chapter 1116 grow. We will continue adding to this page as our programs and relationships develop.
