Annual Airventure
Photo
Looks like a record number of EAA Chapter 1445 members and friends turned out for the annual group photo at the EAA Arch at Airventure 2026 while the rest of us endured record heat in Arizona.
Still Hangar Update
Kevin Bisig and his Kitfox with a Viking engine have moved in the Still hangar. Kevin is at the 90% complete with the 90% to go stage of his build. Please stop by the hangar and to see a beautiful Kitfox in the final stages of completion and keep Kevin from working on his project.
June Monthly Meeting
EAA Chapter 1445 held its June 2026 meeting on June 20,226 at the Chandler Municipal Airport. Fifty two members and guests attended the annual get ready for Airventure meeting.
Ryan Bohlander of ForeFlight Navigation and flight planning software shared details of the popular Foreflight app. He was able to answer he many questions for the attendees. Several members brought there IPads to the meeting and were seen in private conversations with Ryan.
Ryan's presentation was followed by Bob Meyer sharing his experience camping at Airventure. Bob has probably attended Airventure more times than any of our other members. He discussed what to expect and brought the "stuff" that he takes with for the week.
As usual after the meeting members were treated to pizza and a whole lot of hangar flying. There will be no meeting next month due to the heat and Airventure 2026.
May Monthly Meeting
@ Millar Airfield (2AZ4)
EAA Chapter 1445 held its May meeting at Millar Airfield (2AZ4) on May 16, 2026. Twenty seven members and guests made the drive to Maricopa, AZ on a breezy May day. Cecil Orozco, gave a presentation on how he organized the logbooks for his Kitfox. Cecil who is an A&P based his logbooks on what is done for commercial aircraft. Wayne Bisig, presented a status of his garage built Kitfox. Wayne also discussed the trials of building an aircraft at home in his garage. He discussed the challenges of making a mod that is not done on a regular Kitfox. Rusty Gavagan, President of The Classic Airplane Association of Arizona , presented Hank Caple, President of EAA Chapter 1445, and Mathilde Fievez, President of Phoenix 99s, a thank you letter and a donation check recognizing the volunteers of both organizations who help make the 68th Annual Cactus-Flyin a success. After the formal event attendees were treated to pizza and a lot of socializing. Thank You Chuck Millar for allowing the Chapter to use your hangar for our monthly meeting.
5th birthday at
Chandler Aviation
The owner of Chandler Aviation Services asked the chapter if we would support him in celebrating a young man’s (Amadeus) 5th birthday by displaying some of the chapter members’ beautiful flying machines for him and his friends to explore and have a chance to sit in the cockpits. Seven airplanes were on display, and unfortunately, we even turned a few airplanes away because of lack of ramp space. The gathering was a success. I’m not sure who enjoyed it the most, the kids or their parents. In all, 20 or 25 families attended. Thank you all who volunteered their time and airplanes to help our friend Chuck and airport neighbors have a good time.
Annual Fly-Mart
EAA Chapter 1445 held its annual Fly-Mart at the Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD) on April 25, 2026. A Big thanks for Chuck Heinz for allowing the chapter to utilize some the hangar space at Chandler Aviation. The volunteers that helped with the event seemed to have a good time. Volunteers enjoyed some pizza and a lot of socializing. Hopefully the Chapter made enough money to cover the coffee, donuts, pizza and soft drinks.
Millar Runway Centerline Striping
A crew of 8 chapter members repainted the centerline at Millar field. It was also photographed from the air by Cannon Hill.
April Monthly Meeting
Eaa Chapter 1445 held its monthly meeting on May 18, 2026 at Chandler Aviation Inc’s facilities on Chandler Municipal Airport. A big thank you to Chuck Heinz for allowing the chapter to use the facilities. Thirty-seven members and guests attended . William Schram gave a presentation on the history of delta-wing aircraft and his efforts in designing and building his own personal experimental delta wing. After the official meeting, attendees were treated to pizza and time to do some socializing and hangar flying.
Chuck Millar's New T28
Chuck Millar has fulfilled a dream to own a T28A. Seen here at AkChin waiting to return to Millar Field. Chuck and Pat McGary flew together for the final leg. Congratulations Colonel Millar!
March Monthly Meeting
Chapter 1445 held its monthly meeting at the Chandler Municipal Airport terminal building on March 21, 2026. Forty plus members and guests attended the meeting. Prasook Limsirichai, vice president of the Chapter filled in for Hank Caple. The main presentation was given by Rusty Gavagan. Rusty shared his experiences while restoring his beautiful Stinson aircraft. Primwadee Limsirichai discussed the Chapter's experiences and booth at the Chandler Innovation Fair. Bob Meyer shared an actual portable landing beacon from the Vietnam War. After the presentations pizza was served and attendees participated in a lot of hangar flying.
American Airlines Maintenance Facility Tour
On March 20, 2026, twenty four members and guests were treated to a tour of the American Airlines maintenance facility at Sky Harbor International Airport. A big thanks to American Airlines for allowing our members and guests tour their facilities.
Young Eagles March 14, 2026
EAA Chapter 1445 held its second Young Eagle event of the year on March 14, 2026 at the Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD). Ten young eagles plus one eagle was flown by the chapter volunteers. By the smiles and thumbs up everyone appears to have had a great time.
Cactus Fly-ln
Arizona Antique Aircraft Association held thee 68th annual Cactus Fly-in on Saturday March 7, 2026. Chapter 1445 setup a booth at the fly-in that was manned by Chapter members. All of the volunteers enjoyed a beautiful Arizona day where they were able to talk to folks interested in EAA, enjoy all of the airplanes that flew in, and talk aviation all day.
First Solo!
John Turalba soloed on February 26, 2026. John has been a member of Chapter 1445 since 2023. Make sure you congratulate John the next time you see him.
City of Chandler Innovation Fair 2026
EAA Chapter 1445 participated in the City of Chandler's 2026 Innovation Fair. Members were able to discuss becoming a pilot, building experimental aircraft, and aviation careers in general. There were several hands on activities for youth. The older kids were able to get their hands dirty by fabricating an EAA phone holder. Dads also participated in the fabrication. Enjoy the YouTube video below.
Chandler Airport Days 2026
Chandler Municipal Airport held an Airport Days on January 24, 2026. EAA Chapter 1445 supported the event by bringing out their airplanes, setting up a booth, and answering questions about EAA, Young Eagles, and their airplanes. Seven airplanes that had made their first flights at KCHD were lined up side by side. The Chapter's booth was setup in front of the "nursery". Airport Days is held every 2 years to promote the airport to the citizens of Chandler as well as our City Politicians. The City of Chandler put on a successful, event with a very large attendance of citizens wanting to learn about KCHD, aviation, how to become a pilot, Young Eagles, and EAA. Can't wait until our next Airport Days.
January 2026 Monthly Meeting
EAA Chapter 1445 held its monthly meeting on January 17 at the Chandler Municipal Airport terminal building. Approximately 50 members and guests were in attendance. Mathilde Fievez gave an interesting presentation on electric planes and electric propulsion systems for aircraft. Click 20260117_EAA Chapter_H55 presentation_Mathilde to view a PDF version of her presentation. Mathilde had several videos embedded in original presentation but due to the files size it could not be uploaded. YouTube videos can be found of the airplane and propulsion system can be found by searching "H55 Propulsion Systems"
Rusty, representing the 68th Cactus Fly-in, gave a short talk on the fly-in and asked if anyone is interest in volunteering to help at the fly-in. A sign in sheet will be posted on our website. The Aviation Explorers from Explorers Post 352 gave a presentation on their organization. The Explorers goal is to introduce and explore aviation as a career or for fun. After the Explorers presentation, attendees were treated to pizza a session of hangar flying.
January 2026 Young Eagles
On January 10, 2026, EAA Chapter 1445 held its first Young Eagle event at the Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD) in Chandler Arizona. Seven pilots gave 14 Young Eagles flights in their aircraft. By the smiles on the Young Eagles faces everyone had a great time. Thank you volunteer pilots and ground crew for making another successful event.
2025 Year in Review Video
2025 Christmas Party
EAA Chapter 1445 held its annual Christmas party on December 13, 2025 at Millar Airfield (2AZ4) west of Maricopa Arizona. Between 60 and 70 members and guests attended the event. One helicopter and 14 airplanes were used to travel to the event. Awards were given to officers, board members, and committee chairman. The 2026 officers were introduced. A potluck lunch was held where everyone look like they had full plates. After lunch attendees enjoyed the annual white elephant gift exchange.
A big thanks goes out to Chuck Millar, the owner of 2AZ4, for allowing the chapter to have its party at his airfield for the last 11 years.
Enjoy the YouTube video below.
November Meeting
EAA Chapter 1445 held its November monthly meeting at the Still's Hangar at KCHD. More than sixty members and guests attended the event. attendees were treated to an interesting presentation by Colonel Gwen Linde detailing her career in the Air Force. After Colonel Linde's presentation every enjoyed a lot of pizza, conversation, and member's airplanes parked near the Still Hangar.
Veterans' Day 2025
Several EAA Chapter 1445 members traveled to Maricopa Arizona to drive Chuck Millar's military vehicles in the Veterans' Day parade in Maricopa Arizona. This has become an annual event for our members. Thanks to all of the Veterans for their service.
October Young Eagles
On October 25, 2025 EAA Chapter 1445 held its 2nd Young Eagle event of 2025. Eleven pilots flew 25 kids on a beautiful autumn day at Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD). Several lucky kids and adults were treated to a short flight in a King Air. A gib thanks goes out to all of the volunteers that made the event successful. Our Air Traffic Controls get a special award with accommodating us due to the fact that there was one runway shutdown which only gave us a single run to use. KCHD is a very busy airport due to the amount of training taking place. Below is a short video that documents the event.
October Tech Counselor Visit
Ocober 22, 2025 several chapter members traveled to Sun Lakes to look over an RV12 being built by Canon Hill. It is always a good idea to have several experienced builders to look over your project and give you some suggestions and advice on things you are having difficulty with.
October Monthly Meeting
On October 18 2025 held its monthly meeting at the Ak Chin airport (A39) between Maricopa and Casa Grande Arizona. Thirty eight members and guests attended the meeting. A big thank you goes out to Tim Costello, the airport manager for allowing the chapter to use the airport facilities. After the formal meeting and presentations, attendees were treated to a hamburger and brats cook out. Rick Drown always does a super job preparing the food.
September Monthly Meeting
Chapter 1445 held its monthly meeting on September 20, 2025 at the Chandler Municipal Airport Terminal. It was another packed house with over 50 members and guests in attendance. You have to get there early to have a seat because it was standing room only. Some of our own members gave presentations of what it is like to fly some of the unique and high performance airplanes they have had the privilege to fly. After the formal meeting attendees were treated to some pizza and a lot more hangar flying.
August Monthly Meeting
On August 16, 2025 EAA Chapter 1445 held its monthly meeting at the Chandler Municipal Airport terminal building. Approximately 50 members and guests attended the meeting. Our president Rod led the meeting. The main subject of the meeting was Airventure 2025. Members shared their experiences traveling to and from the event as well as interesting things around the grounds of the event. After the formally meeting, attendees were treated to Barrio's Pizza and a lot of hangar flying and catching up since some of the folks have not seen each other several events.
Rick Drown's New CH750
Day one of Rick's Zenith 750. With the help of family and Chapter members it was carefully unloaded and moved into his hangar. Enjoy your building your second homebuilt.
