EAA’s local chapters are about people, bringing together individuals interested in learning more about aviation as well as sharing their own knowledge.
Chapter members are involved in a variety of social and educational activities, including Young Eagles rallies, fly-ins, building seminars, and more, to build awareness in the community.
The South Central Ozarks Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association began in the spring of 1998 with aviation enthusiasts from a fifty mile radius of Gainesville, Missouri. The EAA Chapter 1218 Charter was signed by eighteen members in October, 1999. Originally, our meetings were held in classrooms available only during the evenings at Gainesville. In 2001, meetings were moved to Saturdays in Ron White’s hangar at Willow Springs. We began to see a steady increase in our numbers. In 2003, Charter Member Bill Ghan needed some assistance completing a modern version of the Wright Flyer. To celebrate 100 Years of Flight on December 17, 2003, Bill’s Wright Flyer taxied at the Willow Springs, Missouri Airport.
In 2004 Chapter members decided we needed our own hangar for conducting meetings and assembling projects. We also needed a place to house the aviation library collection donated to the chapter by Ted Businger. Our building at 810 Bryan Street, Willow Springs was dedicated on October 7, 2006. Our facility is complete with meeting room, kitchen and large 50’ x 50’ shop space. Over the years, the chapter has grown to over 120 members in a nine county area the result of moving to a central location.
EAA Chapter 1218 strives to provide an atmosphere for recreational aviation activities, promote and encourage aviation safety in the design, construction, restoration and operation of all types of aircraft, promote activities that provide aviation educational opportunities, have fun being around airplanes and flying. EAA provides member programs and activities that allow members to meet others with the same interest in a family friendly atmosphere. You do not have to be a pilot to join the organization; the only requirement is a love of aviation.
EAA Chapter 1218 members and guests have fun being around airplanes, flying and other related aviation activities.
Monthly chapter meetings are held on the second Saturday of the month. Visit the Events Calendar for details.
