Welcome to YOUR Chapter, EAA 1702!
Aviation is for everyone—and we mean everyone.
If you've ever looked at the sky and wondered if you belonged there, the answer is a resounding yes. EAA 1702 is a modern, family-friendly community of enthusiasts, builders, and pilots dedicated to removing the barriers that have kept people on the ground for too long.
Whether you’re a seasoned captain, a first-time builder, a student curious about STEM, or simply someone who loves the sound of a radial engine, you have a seat at our table. No gatekeeping, no "insiders-only" culture—just a group of neighbors sharing the joy of flight and supporting one another’s goals.
Start Your Journey
Dues: $20 Individual / $30 Family / K-12 Students Free
Announcements (Updated October 2, 2026)
First Saturday Events Canceled — Join Us October 31!
- No October 3 events. The regular First Saturday Chapter Gathering and the Air Traffic Control Tower Tour are canceled this month.
- Come to the Halloween Young Eagles Rally instead! We encourage all members to join us on Saturday, October 31 at Quad Cities Aero.
Halloween Young Eagles Rally — Saturday, October 31
- Volunteers arrive at 8 AM; Young Eagle flights begin at 8:30 AM. The rally wraps up at 1 PM, so come anytime. Wear your favorite Halloween costume! We'll have pizza (at some point before 11 AM) and candy. Take some time to mingle and share your aviation experiences with new families, with old timers, with everyone!
- Pilots and volunteers needed. We are conducting a Young Eagles Rally this month, and we need your help to make it a success.
- Registration opens October 24. Young Eagle Rally – Register Here.
- A note on costumes: in the interest of safety, we may ask for modification or removal of elaborate or inflatable costumes before boarding the airplane. Our pilots will have final say on the safety of flight.
Meet the DPE — Saturday, November 7
- Jeff Allen, Designated Pilot Examiner (Galesburg), joins our November gathering at 11:30 AM. He'll discuss what it really takes to succeed on a checkride, what DPEs are looking for, how the ACS relates, and how to go beyond the minimum to be a safe and effective pilot.
- Useful for every rating. Whatever certificate or rating you're working on, come hear what DPEs wish all pilots knew before showing up. This is a FAAST event. Potluck theme: Soups!
Volunteers Needed
- Open chapter roles: Social Coordinator, Service Hour Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, Photographer, Videographer, Membership Coordinator, and Fundraiser Coordinator. Not sure you know enough? Don't worry, we've got you!
- Free EAA Air Academy leadership weekend at EAA Headquarters in Oshkosh (all-inclusive stay at the Air Academy Lodge): October 21–23 or January 22–24. Learn about business fundamentals, recruitment, fundraising, public relations, EAA resources, and more. Email chapter@eaa1702.org if you'd like to attend.
Upcoming Chapter Activities
We Need Your Help!
Our chapter runs on the passion of our volunteers. Whether you're interested in youth outreach, event planning, or hangar maintenance, we'd love to have you. Ready to help? Email us at chapter@eaa1702.org.
Young Eagles
The EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people, ages 8 - 17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers and our chapter pilots. Since 1992, more than 2 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight through the program.
PIC (Pilot In Command) Lab
"Fly the scenario before you take flight." We simulate high-stakes flying mental workloads in a safe, collaborative environment.
- 6:00pm: Visual Ops (VFR Focus)
- 6:45pm: Instrument & Complex Ops (IFR Focus)
Join Virtually: Google Meet Link
Where We Meet
Partnering with Quad Cities Aero (near the I-74 access road to the Quad Cities Airport Terminal). Turn left at the "CAP" (Civil Air Patrol) sign.
EAA Chapter 1702 is a 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Non-Profit Charity organization (99-1740388).
Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
