Casa Grande Impromptu Fly-Out
On November 11, 2024 a contingent of Chapter 1445 members decide to fly to Casa Grande to try out the new cafe that recently opened. From their smiles it looks like everyone enjoyed themselves
November Monthly Meeting
On November 16, 2024 EAA Chapter 1445 held its monthly meeting at the Chandler Municipal Airport. The event was attended by 50 + members and guests. Everyone seemed to enjoy a nice cool autumn day, a lot of hangar flying, and hamburgers and brats.
The business meeting was also the annual election meeting. The officers and directors for 2024 are: Rod Kjerstad - President, Hank Caple - Vice President, Joe Granado - Secretary, Mark Weiss - Treasurer, Directors are Ric Drown, Daulbert, and Marty Goldfarb.
The program consisted of presentations from Scott Todd - Chapter Hangar Status, Dale Whelan - Aircraft Engines, Jame Graham - RV4 Engine Out Event, and Kevin Deutscher - Bearhawk Building Experience.
Enjoy the following video that documents the event.
Veteran's Day 2024
Many of Chandler EAA Chapter 1445 members have served our country and we are all thankful for their contributions to our country. Pleas recognize a veteran on Veteran's Day and thank them for their service.
October YE Event
EAA Chapter 1445 held a Young Event at Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD). Eleven Young Eagles were flown by 4 volunteer pilots. Thanks to the volunteer pilots and the ground support volunteers that made the event successful. Below is a short YouTube video that documents the event.
October Monthly Meeting
EAA Chapter 1445 held its monthly meeting at Ak Chin Regional Airport (A39), on October 19, 2024. Forty plus members and guests attended. Michael Moore gave a presentation on Top Aces, a firm that uses retired fighter pilots and F16's obtained from Israel to act aggressors to train Air Force Pilots. Joe Granado gave presentation on his experiences purchasing a brand new Cessna 206. After the formal presentations members and guests were treated to burgers and brats cooked by chef Rick.
A big thanks goes out to Tim Costello, Manager of Ak Chin Regional, for allowing Chapter 1445 to hold its meeting at the airport.
A really short YouTube video below documents the event.
Marana Flyout
Six Chapter members enjoyed breakfast at the cafe at Marana Regional (KAVQ) on October 17, 2024. The winds were a bit gusty (200 @18 G 23KT) so we got some good cross wind practice. Traffic was using runway12, so the wind was almost a direct crosswind. On the flight down we had a 25 KT head wind which made the flight a little longer, but on the flight home the head wind was now a tail wind.
Sedona Fly-out
Six members enjoyed breakfast in Sedona at our September flyout. We created the monthly flyout to get more of our members a reason to fly their airplanes. Especially in the summer it’s easy to let the airplane become non-current. Try to participate in every flyout you can. We have one planned for each month.
September Monthly Meeting
EAA Chapter 1445 held its monthly meeting on Saturday September 23, 2024 in the Chandler Municipal Airport Terminal building. Hank Caple led the meeting because Rod was out of town attending a J3 cub meeting.
Fifty members and guests were enjoyed a presentation by Ryan Reeves, Chandler Airport Manager. Ryan discussed airport history, recent capital programs, some future capital programs, how he uses ADS-B data to manage the airport, and interesting side stories about wild life on the airport. After the formal meeting Ryan stayed around and was kept busy answering questions from the attendees.
After the formal meeting the attendees were treated to pizza and a lot of "hangar flying."
October's meeting will be held at Ak-Chin Airport (A39) on Saturday October 19th. There will be a presentation on an aviation topic, hamburgers grill by Rick, and some more "hangar flying. Save the date in your calendar and plan on flying or driving out. Weather should be pleasant finally.
Kevin's First Flight
If you see Kevin Deutscher please congratulate him on the first flight of his Bearhawk on September 10th at 7:30 AM. Kevin long time member of the Chapter and been an EAA member since the 80's. The flight was observed by members of the chapter and Kevin's friends. Kevin flew for 15 laps around the patter and several laps around Memorial field for a total of 1.6 hours. He flew at 3K feet and 120 kts. He performed one stall at 38 kts. Kevin used the EAA Tech Counselor and Flight Advisor services provided by the Chapter. It took 23 years of dedicated building to finish his immaculate Bearhawk. Note the "first flight smile" after completing the flight. The flight was flawless and to quote Kevin, "the plane is still reusable." We are looking forward to having Kevin and his Bearhawk participate in future flyouts.
August FlyOut
August 2024 Meeting
Chapter 1445 held its first monthly meeting after AirVenture on August 17, 2024 in the Chandler Municipal Airport Terminal building. Forty five members and guests attended the meeting.
- Joe Granado gave a short talk on his experience buying his new Cessna 206.
- Three members (Bob, Rod, and Hank) that were lucky enough to fly in to AirVenture recapped their trips.
- John Cooke who has been a member of EAA since being discharged from the Air Force in 1959, gave a short history of his membership and the planes (Glassair, RV-8, RV-12) that he has built over the years.
After the presentation attendees stuck around for some hangar flying and pizza.
Ray Scholar
The Ray Scholar for EAA Chapter 1445 for 2024 is Micah Norris. Micah is 18 years old. He presently has completed ground school, has his 3rd class medical, student pilot license, and has 35 hours in his logbook. The plan is to mentor Micah to successfully obtain his private pilot license. Micah has also become a member of Chapter 1445 and will be an active member of the Chapter. In the future, progress reports will be posted on the website on the progress Micah is making.
Airventure 2024
A short video from Bob Meyer documenting his and Rod Kjerstad's trip to AirVenture 2024
Sunrise at Airventure
Annual group photo of the lucky members of Chapter 1445 that were able to attend Airventure 2024.
Prop Cover
Cecil has finished making prop hangars for member of Chapter 1445 that are leaving for Airventure this week. Cecil did a really nice job. Below are a couple of photos of the cover on Bob Meyer's RV-8.
Mogollon Rim Fly-Out
EAA Chapter 1445 held a fly-out on July 13, 2024 in place of its regular monthly meeting. The event coincided with a Fly-in/Pancake Breakfast, being held at the Mogollon Rim private airport (AZ82) and was hosted by EAA Chapter 1044. Since the elevation of AZ82 is 6,658 msl, it gave our members a chance to escape the desert heat for a couple of hours.
Wright Brothers Award
On July 10, 2024, Marty Goldfarb was awarded the Wright Brothers Award by the FAA for 50 years of continuous flying. Please congratulate Marty when you see hi
m. Marty joined an exclusive club.
June 15, 2024 Meeting
On June 15, 2024 Chapter 1445 held its monthly meeting at the Chandler Municipal Airport. Thirty eight members and guests attended the meeting. Dylan Gauthier, Manager of Chandler Airport Air Traffic Control tower led a lively discussion on how ATC at Chandler control air operations at KCHD. From the participation in the discussion, the attendees must of enjoyed in talking to a controller face to face.
After the formal meeting, the members were treated to pizza, cookies, and soft drinks. Everyone enjoyed hangar flying that took place as they ate their lunch.
First Airplane
Our 2 youngest members, (John and Joseph Turalba) obtained their first Airplane project this week. Fellow member Ken Spruell is presently moving to Illinois. Ken had this project and did not want to move it, so he donated it to John and Joseph. This should be a project for John and Joseph to get some experience and make some memories.
Titan T-51
On May 21, 2024, Mike Still's T-51 left the Chandler Municipal Airport for its new home in Pennsylvania. Mike was one of our first Presidents. He passed away 4 years ago. His son John inherited the airplane. So it was a sad and a happy day. Sad to see the plane leave KCHD, but happy that it is finally shipped to John who will enjoy flying his father's pride and joy for many years.
Annual May Workshop Meeting
On May 18m 2024, EAA Chapter 1445 held its annual workshop meeting at Millar Airport (2AZ4). Forty members and guest attended the event where they were treated to a day of hangar flying, hamburgers and brats, and a demonstration on how to change a tireand tube on a small aircraft wheel. A big thank you goes out to Chuck Millar for letting Chapter 1445 for using his facilities for our meeting. Below are some photos of the event and a short YouTube video. Enjoy
May Young Eagles
On May 4, 2024 (Star Wars Day), Chapter 1445 held a successful Young Event at Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD). Six pilots flew 13 Young Eagles. The volunteer pilots were supported by 15 ground support volunteers. We want to give a huge shout out to Youth volunteers who helped entertain Young Eagles who were waiting for their flight. Pleasevisit our Young Eagles page (https://chapters.eaa.org/eaa1445/young-eagles) to watch a YouTube video documenting the event.
Homebuilt F14 Flight Training
Chapter member Bob Elis's grandson, Noah, age 4 received his flight training in recently completed F14 pedal plane. Another inspired future pilot.
April Monthly Meeting
Chapter 1445 held it April meeting at the Chandler Municipal Airport on April 20 2024. Members flew and drove in to attend the meeting. Everyone enjoyed a hangar flying session prior to the formal meeting. Rod called the meeting to order and introduced Hank Caple as the Chapter's new Vice President. Hank volunteered for the position and was approved by the Board of Directors. Cecil gave a presentation on maintenance and checks required by ELT manufacturers. Most builders install an ELT and aren't aware of the requirements to maintain them. After the meeting, the members enjoyed pizza and more hangar flying. The Chapter's May annual workshop meeting will be held at Millar's airport (2AZ4). This is one of the Chapter's most popular meeting.
Fly Mart 2024
On April 6, 2024 EAA Chapter 1445 held it's second annual fly mart. A big thanks to Chandler Aviation for providing Chapter 1445 with a hangar to hold the event. East Valley Institute of Technology provided a metal working activity and a flight simulator to entertain kids that attended the event. Boy Scout Troop 282 sold coffee and pastries to attendees. The coffee was big hit since it was cold in the hangar.
March Monthly Meeting
EAA Chapter 1445 held its monthly meeting at the Eloy, Arizona Airport (E60). Twenty five members either flew or drove to Eloy to attend the meeting and the great Arizona spring weather. The rare ground fog in the area delayed some of the flyers for 30 minutes. Below is a short video of the highlights of the meeting. Enjoy!
February Monthy Meeting
On February 17, 2024, EAA Chapter 1445 held its regular monthly meeting in the terminal building at the Chandler Municipal Airport. Ernie Copeland member of the FAA FAST team from the Scottsdale FSDO, gave a presentation on owner/operator aircraft maintenance. Thirty plus members attended the presentation. Everyone enjoyed pizza and socialization after the meeting.
Rotorcraft
Arlo Watkin has become the Chapter's first rotorcraft owner. Now all he has to do is learn how to fly it. Good luck Arlo.
January 27, 2024 Young Eagles
On January 27, 2024 Chapter 1445 held its first Young Eagle event of 2024. Six pilots flew 12 Young Eagles. See YouTube video below.
January Monthly Meeting
EAA Chapter 1445's regular monthly meeting conflicted with the City of Chandler's Aviation Day celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Chandler Municipal Airport. So the Chapter adapted and setup a table at the event and displayed 8 member aircraft that made their first flights at KCHD. The Aviation Day celebration was a successful event for the City of Chandler and for Chapter 1445. Chapter signed up 5 new members, approved updated bylaws, and introduced itself to the attendees of the event. Members manning the Chapter's table fielded many questions about experimental aircraft and how parents can introduce their kids to aviation. Enjoy the short video documenting the event.
Merry Christmas
KCD Traffic Controllers
On Christmas Eve 2023, a contingent of 5 Chapter 1445 members delivered gifts to the Air Traffic Controllers at Chandler Municipal Airport in appreciation of the help that the controllers have provided to our membership during the years. The 5 members that participate were Cecil Orozco, Don Daubert, Peter Dooley, Rod Kjerstad and Jerry Latimer. Dylan also gave the participants a tour of the tower after the presentation. A big thanks and Merry Christmas goes out to "our" controllers.
2023 in Review
Below is a video that documents EAA Chapter 1445's 2023 year. 2023 was a super successful year with several firsts. The Chapter held its first fly-mart, first open house, and first youth programs for our former Young Eagles. Because the year was so successful the video is actually too long. You may have to watch it in several sessions. Please enjoy it however you choose to watch it.
2023 Chapter Christmas Party
Saturday December 16, 2023, EAA Chapter 1445 held its annual Christmas Party at Millar Airfield (2AZ4). A big thank you to Chuck Millar for allowing the Chapter to use his airfield for our annual party. Approximately fifty members and guests enjoyed a beautiful winter Arizona day. Party consisted of socialization, pot luck, white elephant gift exchange, and more socialization. Enjoy the video below.
Youth Tower and Hangar Tour
On December 9, 2023, two parents and five former YE's were treated to a tour of the Chandler Municipal Airport control tower led by Dylan the supervisor of the tower. After the tour Rod Kjerstad and Don Daubert opened up their hangars for a tour. Thanks to the volunteers that made this a successful morning for our Youth.
Tech Counselor Visit
Member Randall Hayhurst has been building a Sabrewing in his home workshop for two years. His first Tech Conselor inspection by Chapter member Bob Meyers, on November 28, 2023 went very well and we're looking forward to his completion and first flight.
November Meeting
EAA Chapter 1445 held it's monthly meeting on November 18, 2023 at the Chandler Municipal Airport. Meeting was attended by 33 members and guests. Air Traffic Control supervisor for the KCHD gave a short talk on ATC operations at KCHD. He also took questions from the attendees. After attendees introduced themselves and gave a short talk about their links to aviation. The Chapter also had the annual election of new officers and directors for 2024. After the meeting, everyone enjoyed some socialization while enjoy Pizza.
Kelly McMullin
On November 17, 2023, Kelly McMullin was awarded the FAA's Wright Brother's Master Pilot Award for his 50 years being a pilot. The ceremony was held at the Chandler Municipal Airport Terminal. Kelly is a former President of EAA Chapter 1445. As well as being a long time pilot Kelly holds an A&PIA as well an Air Traffic Controller certificate. The ceremony was attended by Kelly's friends and his wife who shared some Kelly flying stories. Kelly has also been an active ambassador for aviation and has served as an advisor to Chandler's Airport Commission. If you see Kelly please congratulate for his award and thank him for his commitment to aviation.
November Youth Event
On November 4, 2023, EAA Chapter 1445 had a Youth Event for three former Young Eagles. The event introduced the youth to basic metal fabrication techniques used in experimental aluminum aircraft building. The Youth fabricated a phone stand that they took home with them. A big thanks goes out to the chapter members that made the event successful. Candice Turalba for organizing the event and taking photos. Rick Drown for working with the youth and letting us use his hangar. Peter Dooley for work with the youth and taking photos. Bob Meyer, Tony Mellow, Tim Swires, and Eric Wood for working with the youth. Jerry Latimer for preparing the materials for the event and leading the event.
Please click on the YouTube video below to experience the event.
