Igniting the Spirit of Aviation Through Camaraderie, Community Outreach and Education
EAA Chapter 129 was chartered in 1962 in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois. What began as a small offshoot of EAA Chapter 29 in Champaign—with a treasury of just $15— has grown into one of the most active aviation communities in Central Illinois.
Our Home: Hangar F-15
We’re based at the Central Illinois Regional Airport (KBMI) on the west side of the General Aviation ramp— Hangar Row “F,” Hangar F-15.
Our 45’ x 45’ chapter hangar was built in 1995 through years of fundraising, member contributions, donations, fly-ins, and a whole lot of volunteer sweat equity. It’s more than a building—it’s our clubhouse, workshop, classroom, and gathering place.
Who We Are
Our chapter reflects the full spectrum of aviation. Inside our hangar you’ll find student pilots and first solos, weekend flyers, professional pilots, builders, restorers, and lifelong enthusiasts who just love being around airplanes.
Members you’ll meet:
- Student pilots and new aviators
- Weekend flyers and cross-country adventurers
- Professional pilots and instructors
- Retired aviators
- Aircraft builders and restorers
- Warbird fans, ultralight and glider pilots
Skills and projects in the chapter:
- Rag & tube construction
- Composites
- All-metal aircraft
- Wood construction
- Experimental builds and restorations
- GA production aircraft owners
With the wide age range and experience of our membership, Chapter 129 is a treasure trove of knowledge—and we love sharing it.
☕ Saturday Mornings at the Hangar
Every Saturday from 7:00–9:00 a.m., you’ll find us at Hangar F-15 for coffee, breakfast, hangar talk, project updates, and airport camaraderie.
No agenda. Just aviation friends doing aviation things. It’s one of the best hours of the week.
📅 Monthly Meetings
We meet on the 3rd Thursday of every month at our hangar. Each meeting includes chapter updates and an aviation program.
Oshkosh Strong
AirVenture isn’t just an event—it’s part of our chapter DNA. Each year, members head to Oshkosh early to help prepare the grounds, and we show up in big numbers when the show begins.
It’s not unusual for more than a third of our chapter to be at Oshkosh for the annual event. If there’s an orange tent with familiar faces underneath…that’s probably us.
Join Us
You don’t have to be a pilot, builder, or mechanic to belong here. If you love airplanes, learning, building, restoring, flying—or simply being around aviation— you’re qualified.
Want to visit first? Come out on a Saturday morning and say hello.
We’re always welcoming new members. Pull up a chair—there’s usually coffee on.
