From its beginnings in the late '50s, Chapter 54 of the Experimental Aircraft Association has served aviation enthusiasts, dreamers, aircraft builders, pilots, would-be pilots, and individuals interested in helping young people become aviators in the East Metro of Minnesota's Twin Cities.
We hold a gathering on the second Monday of each month at the Chapter House at Lake Elmo Airport (21D) to talk aviation and socialize. We provide Young Eagles rides and aviation scholarships. We help people who are building airplanes. But you don't need to be a pilot to participate in our activities.
Please come to our next gathering as our guest. Let us know you're coming so you can be properly greeted and introduced to the chapter.
DECEMBER GATHERING |
| It's time to celebrate another great year at Chapter 54 and renew acquaintances with one another and our families. The annual Holiday Party will be held on Monday December 15, starting at 6 pm at the Chapter House at Lake Elmo Airport. Members and family and/or friends are invited. The chapter will provide pizza and soft drinks/water. If you want something harder, you're free to bring it. Attendees are encouraged to bring along salads and desserts to share. And again, Vice President Jay Schrankler will conduct his annual aviation trivia contest. There might even be prizes to go along with the honor of victory. Space is somewhat limited, so it's really important for members to RSVP (i.e. let us know even if you can't attend) and do so quickly. It only takes a moment and you can do so right here. |
Events
Packed House for Gary Powers Jr.
The son of the famous U-2 pilot shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960 while flying a CIA spy mission spoke at a special meeting hosted by EAA Chapter 54 about his father on Dec. 1. Gary Powers Jr., has written a book about his dad, Francis Gary Powers. His book Spy Pilot: Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 Incident, and a Controversial Cold War Legacy, is intended to "set the record straight in regard to the fake news that surround the U-2 Incident and tarnished my father’s reputation," he said.
With the help of a Chapter Blast from headquarters, we welcomed a number of EAA members from around the region to hear Powers. "We filled every chair, including four more I brought," Chapter 54 member Jeff Hove said. Hove organized the event and reported it helped raise $430 in donations for Gary’s educational programs and Cold War Museum. Many attendees also purchased books, Hove said.
It was clear from the presentation that Powers is passionate about the history of the Cold War, which enveloped his dad in 1960 when his U-2 spy plane by the Soviet Air Defence Forces in Sverdlovsk, Russia. It was conducting photographic aerial reconnaissance inside Soviet territory when it was hit by a surface-to-air missile. Powers parachuted to the ground and was captured.
Powers was convicted of espionage and sentenced to three years of imprisonment plus seven years of hard labor. He was released two years later, in February 1962, in a prisoner exchange for Soviet intelligence officer Rudolf Abel.
Gary Jr., says many of the facts of the incident had been twisted into conspiracy theories that Gary Jr wanted to make sure got corrected. He was a consultant for the movie "Bridge of Spies." He said the movie is basically historically correct sans some minor details.
He is buried at Arlington National Ceremony in Virginia, approved to be buried there by then President Jimmy Carter.
Gary Jr continues to raise money for the cold war museum and travels the country to give talks like the one last evening. He will be returning to the area in late July 2026
Powers Jr., has some local connections, his sister lives in Inver Grove Hights. He resides in Richmond, Virginia. See more pictures
Many thanks to Chapter Vice President Jay Schrankler, President Marlon Gunderson, and member Jeff Hove for providing details for this summary.
Chapter Video
Holliday enters Hall of Fame
Former Chapter 54 member Mark Holliday was inducted into EAA's Hall of Fame in the vintage category last month. Holliday (EAA 87406) has been immersed in aviation since childhood, soloing 26 aircraft on his 16th birthday and flying a Mooney Mite to the 1969 EAA fly-in at Rockford, Illinois, shortly after obtaining his private license. Holliday has logged nearly 1,500 flight hours by age 21 and has performed aerobatic routines for 25 years in his Swift. He served as chief pilot for the Vintage Aero Flying Museum, flying over 200 aircraft types, including World War I replicas, and is highly regarded within the Swift pilot community.
"I've been able to attend the event a number of times over the years, and you meet the most amazing contributors to this wonderful world of aviation," Charlie Becker, EAA's head of chapters, said in the December chapter video. "It's pretty much a recognition of a lifetime of achievement in the world of aviation and it's just so impressive the people we honor that come from the EAA membership that has done so many great things in aviation. And it really is a highlight of the year for me." Watch the monthly video >>
Events
Did someone say "party"?
In the meantime, willing members of the Board of Directors will be setting up the Chapter House for the party on Tuesday Dec. 2 at 3 pm, the day after the Gary Powers Jr., presentation. It's not easy work and they might be able to use you. Contact Marlon Gunderson.
Related: November Board of Directors minutes
All chapter news and stories >>
