By Mathieu Labs, EAA Lifetime 678257, EAA Chapter 1710 President & Young Eagles Coordinator

What does the love of aviation really mean? It’s a question many ask, but in Clintonville, Wisconsin, it’s something you can truly feel.

I’ve had the privilege of witnessing it firsthand through the City of Clintonville, Clintonville Municipal Airport, Clintonville Chamber, and EAA Chapter 1710. It’s more than airplanes; it’s people, passion, and a shared belief in something bigger.

On November 18, 2024, EAA Chapter 1710 was formed with a simple but powerful goal: to bring a community together through aviation. Just a few months later, in March 2025, EAA Chapters Manager John Egan visited to present “Discover the World of EAA: Programs and Chapters.” When he asked how many members we had and I answered “30,” the look of surprise said it all. For a brand-new chapter, expectations were modest, but Clintonville had other plans. By the end of 2025, we had grown to 50 members. Today, in 2026, we stand at 60 and rising.

But this story didn’t start overnight. Back in 2021, Airport Manager Caz Muske had a vision, to bring an EAA chapter to Clintonville. Like many small communities, there were challenges: finding volunteers, building momentum, and turning an idea into reality. But she understood something important: it would take a village. And over time, that village came together. Four years later, that vision has not only taken flight, it’s soaring.

It’s easy to assume pilots are everywhere, especially with EAA AirVenture Oshkosh just 45 minutes away. But the truth is, less than 1 percent of the world’s population are pilots. That’s what makes this even more meaningful. This isn’t just about aviation, it’s about opening doors, creating opportunities, and inspiring the next generation.

Some might say that in volunteer organizations, only 10 percent of members actually step up, but that’s not true for EAA Chapter 1710. Here, nearly half of our members show up ready to contribute in any way they can. Only about a quarter are pilots, the rest share a passion for supporting the next generation of aviators. Our airport has been an incredible partner, providing space for chapter activities, aircraft build projects, and lending a helping hand whenever needed. From town staff to volunteers, the community’s support makes every event possible and every mission achievable.

Building this chapter meant connecting with people, attending Rotary meetings, city and airport meetings, speaking on local radio, sharing our story in newspapers, and welcoming the community through open house events. Each conversation, each handshake, helped build something special.

And what makes Clintonville truly stand out isn’t just the growth, it’s the support. This is a community that believes in what we’re doing. From city leaders to the Chamber, the encouragement has been unwavering. Recently, Mayor Steve Kettenhoven captured it perfectly when he said: “I think EAA Chapter 1710 brings a lot to our airport and to our entire community. But I really like the Young Eagles events. This is a great way to get our youth involved in aviation. There’s so much they can learn from the pilots and everyone involved in putting on these events. I really enjoy attending these, and seeing the smiles on those kids is priceless.”

The Clintonville Chamber has truly gone above and beyond. Having been involved with multiple chapters since 2009, I can confidently say that Clintonville sets the standard. I’ve heard from other communities that few chambers support their local businesses as effectively as this one does, and seeing it firsthand confirms it. At a recent Business After 5 PM event, the Chamber gave us the opportunity to showcase everything from homebuilt aircraft to Young Eagles, Build & Fly, and Flying Start programs. The energy in the room was electric, and the enthusiasm for aviation and community was undeniable. The executive director of the Chamber, Tina Schulke, had this to say “When I first heard that Clintonville was getting their own EAA chapter, I was excited to see how it was going to unfold. Growing up, AirVenture Oshkosh was always special, but now as a Chamber director, I see the real impact it brings to local businesses and the community. With our airport’s rich history as the birthplace of North Central Airlines, I’m excited to grow awareness and see how this chapter showcases all Clintonville has to offer.”

Because in the end, the love of aviation isn’t just about flying. It’s about connection, opportunity by inspiring the next generation to dream bigger. And in Clintonville, that love is alive and taking flight together.

EAA Chapter 1710 meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. You’re welcome to come and enjoy a great time! Contact: EAAChapter1710@gmail.com or on Facebook at EAA Chapter 1710.