Tampa Executive Airport (KVDF), Tampa FL
Joining EAA Chapter 175 offers far more than just membership—it provides a gateway into a hands-on, collaborative aviation community built around learning, building, and sharing experience.
Members gain the opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for aerospace, aviation, aircraft systems, and the art of flying. Whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience, the chapter fosters an environment where knowledge is actively exchanged. Experienced aviation professionals within the group regularly mentor newer members, offering practical insights that can’t be found in textbooks alone.
The chapter is also investing in the future of aircraft building and technology. Members will have access to online training in Fusion 360 CAD, preparing them to design and manufacture parts using planned CNC equipment. These capabilities will directly support current and future experimental aircraft projects, giving members real-world experience in modern aircraft fabrication techniques.
EAA Chapter 175 provides tangible resources to support builders as well. Members can purchase donated aviation hardware at discounted prices and utilize chapter-owned aviation tools at no cost—helping reduce the financial barriers often associated with aircraft construction and modification.
Looking ahead, the chapter is actively working alongside local aviation partners such as the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA) and Fixed Base Operator (FBO) of KVDF airport to develop a new hangar at Tampa Executive Airport (KVDF). In addition, efforts are underway to secure a low-cost workshop facility that will serve as a central hub for building multiple aircraft, housing tools, and operating CNC equipment.
To support these initiatives, the chapter welcomes tax-deductible donations that directly contribute to aircraft projects, tooling, facility costs, and hangar development. Members can also support the chapter through annual dues and optional pre-paid fundraising breakfasts tied to monthly meetings—ensuring continued growth and sustainability. Below are two links to our website for payments of donation funds to the hangar project and other link for signup for annual membership to EAA Chapter 175 organization.
Donations for New Chapter Hangar 
EAA Chapter 175 is where passion meets opportunity—whether you're here to learn, build, mentor, or contribute to the future of experimental aviation.
Come visit us during one of our monthly meetings, drop us an email at eaachapter175@gmail.com, or contact EAA Chapter 175 President Alan Yerly by email: budyerly@msn.com . We look forward to meeting you and sharing our love for aviation and the people who make our sport so great. See YOU soon!
The next chapter meeting will be on June 27th of 2026 at CEC (Chapter Educational Center) at Vandenberg Airport Road. The June discussion will focus on how to get up-to-speed rapidly and successfully in a new aircraft.
The meeting will start at 10 am (arrive from 9 am for breakfast of waffles, eggs and sausage for a $5 donation)
The main part of the program will be a VMC club presentation presented by FAAST (FAA Safety Team). The format is an open discussion of case studies and actual incidents to highlight important safety issues when flying. WINGS credit is available for those who attend.
Flying an unfamiliar aircraft is an area of aviation with very little guidance from the regulations. Most flight schools require a checkout flight with an instructor, but there is often little formal structure to the process. When buying a new aircraft we are on our own with regards to becoming proficient (possibly with some guidance from our insurance company!)
As pilots we need to take control and establish a thorough self-checkout procedure to ensure that all regular procedures, emergency procedures and idiosyncrasies of the aircraft are fully covered. The June session will include case studies that highlight best practices and common issues to be aware of when flying an unfamiliar aircraft.
Non-members and guests are welcome. Please join us for this important discussion!
Click on this line for more information on June 13 Young Eagles flight at KVDF airport.
Anyone interested in aviation, families included, are welcome to join us at
9334 Vandenberg Airport Rd, Tampa, FL 33610
EAA Chapter Garage Damage Update
on Getting Land Lease for Future Hangar and a Workshop
January 29, 2026
Mike Newman - EAA Chapter 175 Treasurer and Board Member
Bill Cutler - Building Director and Board Member
Website Update: Status of Chapter Damage Workshop and Future Plans
The chapter board members would like to provide an update regarding the March 15, 2024, damage to the Chapter Garage caused by Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC, and share information about future plans with the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA).
As of April 1, 2025 HCAA has change its mind and not going to replace building 1300 and building was demolish. Chapter is now working on to recover the expense of $7000 that was put into building 1300 and now is looking for temporary or permanent workshop building . Mike Newman will be in charge of getting 4000 - 6000 SF workshop in Hillsborough County .
The chapter has submitted a request to the HCAA Real Estate Commercial Department to construct a 2,000-square-foot hangar on the site where Building 2200 once stood and HCAA has prepare draft land lease for this location and has submitted to chapter. Chapter is now working with Hillsbourgh Building Department and with the help of new Building Director Bill Cutler on getting the final requirements on building of this hangar at this location and will then resubmitted a proposal back to HCAA that will work with requirements for the chapter and Hillsborough Building Dept.
To accomplish this goal, we will need to raise funds for the new hangar's construction and related expenses. We encourage our members and the community to support this effort through donations or by participating in upcoming fundraising events. Together, we can achieve this important milestone and build a stronger future for our chapter.
Thank you for your patience and support as we work towards rebuilding and improving our facilities. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and fundraising opportunities!
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Monthly meetings are usually on the fourth Saturday of each month.
Check the event calendar link for any changes on dates for meetings.
Breakfast at 09:00am followed by aviation event at 10:00am and chapter meeting at the end of the event.
Anyone interested in aviation, families included, are welcome to join us at
9334 Vandenberg Airport Rd, Tampa, FL 33610
YOU ARE FLYING IN THEN GO TO THE APRON IN FRONT OF BUILDING 1600 TO PARK AIRCRAFT.
You can download PDF file of FAA Airport Diagram at link below.
AIRPORT DIAGRAM_TAMPA EXECUTIVE_VDF
Aircraft Projects that Members and EAA Chapter 175 are working on.
EAA Chapter 175, Inc. is Now a 501 (C) (3) Non-Profit Organization EIN is 84-4749924.
Here is link to PDF form for sign up sheet and course outline on Autodesk Fusion 360. Once chapter has enough students, then time and date of course will be decided .
INTRODUCTION TO 3D MODELING FOR MANUFACTURING
Click on this line for Online Sign Up Sheet for course.
Please visit our Facebook page for more information: EAA Chapter 175 page
See our Calendar of Events for more information
Chapter 175 Annual Dues are ONLY $36 per year and $48 for family membership ! Please make checks payable to EAA Chapter 175 Inc. in the amount of $36 or $ 48 for family membership. Remember that you need to have paid your EAA national dues too.
Here is a link to PayPal account for payment of EAA Chapter 175 membership dues. There will be additional $2 for service fee. There will be small survey before payment of using your credit card.
Online Signup and Payment of Membership
