We are delighted you have joined us this morning for the EAA Chapter 54 Pancake Breakfast Fly-in. More than 50 chapter members have been working tirelessly since late winter to provide you with a memorable event.
By attending today's event, you are helping us provide aviation opportunities for young people in our community. Several of our scholarship recipients are currently at the Chapter 54 table at the rear of the hangar and are anxious to talk to you about their experiences. Our Young Eagles coordinator is also available to help you arrange free airplane rides at an upcoming Young Eagles Day event. And be sure to say hello to Chapter 54 President Marlon Gunderson, who will be only too happy to tell you more about the Experimental Aircraft Association and Chapter 54, in particular. In the meantime, here's a little history about the chapter.
The proceeds from today's event will help fund at least one scholarship to the EAA Air Academy in Oshkosh in 2026. Registration for financial assistance is now open.
TODAY'S EVENTS
We're hosting an aviation book sale during this morning's event. You'll find a table set up in front of the hangar just across the way from today's breakfast. Make a small donation and grab a book
After you finish breakfast (and,yes, you can have "seconds"), be sure to visit the flight line, where aircraft from all over the region have flown in to be with us today. A Huey helicopter will make its unmistakable arrival at some point. Barry Hammerback and Dave Schmitz, of River Falls, Wis., just won a prestigious "Preservation Award" at the EAA AirVenture gathering in Oshkosh in July.
Also due to make an appearance today is the State Patrol helicopter, unless they get a call.
At 10 a.m., the Washington County Sheriff's K-9 team stops by for a demonstration in the grassy area behind the hangar.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is planning to fly in with a new Cessna 206 aircraft and they're anxious to tell you all about it.
LET'S BE CAREFUL OUT THERE
Your safety is a top concern for us, so please remember you will be crossing an active taxiway. Whenever an airplane has its engine running, please stand closer to the hangar until the prop has stopped. If the airplane's beacon is flashing, it means the engine is about to start, so be extra cautious. Just follow the instructions of our aircraft marshals.
When visiting the aircraft and their pilots, please do not sit on or touch the aircraft unless invited to do so. If you have a large camera, please hold onto it when around the airplane, so that it doesn't swing and hit the aircraft.
THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE
By the way, we're judging all of the aircraft who are flying in. One of the awards - the People's Choice Award - will be decided by you. When you've selected the most impressive aircraft (and keep in mind, several of the aircraft here this morning were built by the pilots themselves), make a note of its "tail number" (the number on the side of the aircraft that starts with "N"). There is a form at the ticketing table at the front of the hangar for you to write down that number.
In particular, we'd like to welcome the residents of Easton Village/Northport, our neighbors just across Manning Avenue. We are so appreciative of the support you have given Lake Elmo Airport. We fly "neighborly" here to minimize noise impact. But we are aware that you have chosen to live next to an airport and we'd like to invite you to spend more time here visiting with us and learning more about what's on this side of the street.
During your time here this morning, perhaps you'll be bitten by the "aviation bug." It happens. A lot. That's why Lake Elmo Aero is here with us today to introduce themselves to you and provide you with information about learning to fly.
For those of you who have flown in today, please remember the FAA has established a temporary "tower" at the airport. The tower frequency is 123.8. The "ground" frequency is 121.75. Consult with the marshals (they're wearing maroon shirts) before departing for the proper taxi route to the runway in use. You can find maps and more information here, and the latest METAR here.
If you need a restroom, the Metropolitan Airports Commission has provided facilities just east of the hangar. Follow the "arrow" signs. It's located near the airport observation area, which is also available anytime you'd like to stop by and watch airplanes.
In the meantime, browse our award-winning website to learn more about us. If you are so moved, we'd be delighted to have you join our chapter.
When you leave today, we hope you leave with a new friendship. Why not turn to your left or right and introduce yourself. You already share a common bond - an interest in airplanes.
