By Len DeNardo, EAA 788105
In September of 2017, EAA Chapter 66, in Fort Myers, Florida, celebrated its 50th anniversary. Our anniversary dinner was held on November 11 and 54 members and guests attended. Chapter President Bill Bresnan, EAA 743618, emphasized the achievements of our chapter and noted that, “Dreams come true here.” EAA Chapter 66 has always called Page Field (KFMY) its home. The chapter has an active membership that participates in numerous activities, including a monthly pancake breakfast and Young Eagles flights.
Additional activities include an annual Aviation Day event at Page Field that features many types of airplanes and large local crowds. Experimental amateur-built aircraft of all types are on display at our Homebuilt Corral. EAA 66 serves hamburgers and hot dogs at our EAA Cafe.
Additionally, about 10 percent of the members are building their own aircraft. These builders meet each Thursday night to discuss and practice aircraft construction methods, under the watchful eyes of Ray Romeu, EAA 553030, and Paul Yocum, EAA 592603. In the last month or so, airworthiness certificates were awarded to three homebuilts by the DAR. These include Bill’s Hatz biplane, Bob Willaford’s RV-9, and a Zenith Zodiac. Bob, EAA 827285, is well on his way to his 25-hour fly-off goal.