Our Chapter
EAA’s local chapters are about people, bringing together individuals interested in learning more about aviation as well as sharing their own knowledge.
EAA Chapter 297 was chartered January 15, 1968 in Wilmington, North Carolina and met in members' homes in the early years. Initially, there were ten members who lived in the Wilmington and Chadbourn areas. As the chapter grew, the Columbus County members formed their own Chapter in Chadbourn.
In the mid-1970's, the chapter met in a leased hangar at the Wilmington Airport until a chapter building and hangar were built at Debose Field (now Stag Air Park, Inc.) in Pender County near Burgaw in 1987.
Today, the chapter's membership includes numerous aviation interests from lighter-than-air, rotorcraft, and fixed wing aircraft. Meetings are held the first Saturday of each month starting at 10:00 a.m. Visitors and new members are welcomed, so come visit us!
In December, on the chapter's regular meet day, we hold a Christmas dinner party in the chapter meeting room. It is a covered dish affair with the chapter providing the protein and beverages.
Because EAA Chapter 297 is located on a beautiful grass strip, Stag Air Park, we are able to host three fly-ins at our home base each year. These are typically held on the second Saturdays of February, May and November. These fly-ins feature an Eastern North Carolina BBQ lunch catered by the Jordan Chapel.
Our Home Airport (7NC1)
EAA Chapter 297's home airport is Stag Air Park, a picturesque 4000' grass airstrip with runways 11 and 29. There are homes, several with hangers, along the runway. CTAF is 122.9. 100LL is available.
Google Maps link: Stag Air Park (7NC1), Aviator Lane, Burgaw, NC 28425
