EAA’s local chapters are about people, bringing together individuals interested in learning more about aviation as well as sharing their own knowledge.
Chapter members are involved in a variety of social and educational activities, including Young Eagles rallies, fly-ins, building seminars, and more, to build awareness in the community.
The Gettysburg Barnstormers, EAA Chapter 1041 is a group of aviation enthusiasts. This year, 2023, we celebrate our 30th Birthday! Our members include persons building or restoring aircraft, pilots of all types and ratings, and folks who are just "plane crazy." We have retired and active airline pilots, wanna-be pilots, flight instructors, private and professional flyers, ultralighters, and people who enjoy aviation without being pilots themselves.
Membership is on a calendar year basis, dues are $20.00 per year. The dues are used for several projects, the most visible one being our monthly newsletter, "The Observer." Each member is also a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and/or one of its divisions. Please see the newsletters included on this website for more information and contact persons.
The Gettysburg Barnstormers meet regularly the first Monday of the month at 7:00 PM except holidays, December (holiday dinner) and perhaps August (due to Oshkosh). - check our latest newsletter to verify date and location.
Mission
To encourage sport aviation, support the growth of EAA, safety in aviation, encouragement and education of our youth for the development of an area within aviation dedicated to flying, friendship and fun.
Activities
The Gettysburg Barnstormers meet regularly the first Monday of the month at 7:00 PM except holidays, December (holiday dinner) and perhaps August (due to AirVenture-Oshkosh) - check the newsletter to verify date and location. Meetings are educational and entertaining with programs on many varied aviation subjects areas. We often have guest speakers whose backgrounds and experiences are told through their stories. Hands-on construction and restoration technique programs are included, we like to visit with the members who are building and see their progress.
A weekend in early June and another in late September are traditionally our Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfasts, which are the major fundraisers for the Chapter. Some of our members regularly attend other Chapter Breakfasts, flying to events when the weather permits. Our geographical location makes it popular to visit nearby attractions such as the Smithsonian and their aircraft museums and restoration shop, Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, and many others.
The Barnstormers are very active with the EAA Young Eagles program, and have been since its very beginning in 1992. Introducing children ages 8-17 to aviation and flying these young people is a focus of our purpose. Our volunteer pilots have given thousands of free rides and inspired a new generation of aviators. Our Chapter encourages participation in the EAA Air Academy camps at Oshkosh, WI and contribute to the expenses of area young people that attend.
A highlight each year is the annual Christmas Party, running a close second is the Summer Picnic. We encourage family involvement in all our activities.
History
The Barnstormers began as the "Hanover Barnstormers", in the late 1980's. A small group of local pilots and aviation enthusiasts decided to organize a formal club and enjoy their interests together. Meetings and Fly-Ins were held at the Hanover Airport. We were incorporated in 1993 and chartered as an EAA Chapter in 1994.
In 1998 the members accepted an invitation to move our meetings and activities to the Gettysburg Airport (W05). Since that time we have been happy to see many improvements to the airport: The 2002 construction of a new runway with lights for night operations, and the 2006 acquisition of the airport by the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA, 717-948-3900). This change will ensure the airport remains just that for perpetuity.
Membership in the Barnstormers has grown over the years, and we always welcome prospective members and enthusiasts. As we grow in the 21st century, we hope to include old friends and many people we have yet to meet.
For the second year in a row, The Barnstormers have been named as a Gold Chapter!
About EAA
Our chapter is part of the worldwide network of EAA chapters. EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 170,000 plus members enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. To find out more about EAA and our programs and services, please visit our home page at EAA.org.
