Posts by: Christina Basken

Christina Basken

Christina, EAA 1299943, is EAA’s multimedia journalist. She is a passionate aviation enthusiast, bookworm, and photography-obsessed nature nut. Email Christina at cbasken@eaa.org.

March 15, 2022

Milestone — Becoming a Young Eagles Pilot

Chapters, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Joshua Owsley, EAA 1283936, a Ray scholar from EAA Chapter 677 who passed his checkride on October 2, passed another exciting milestone — flying his first Young Eagles!

March 2, 2022

Volunteer Spotlight — Stephen Leonard

Member Stories

Stephen Leonard, EAA Lifetime 286293, joined the EAA Aeromedical Advisory Council (AAC) in the 1980s and has been assisting EAA members and pilots, as well as the organization, with medical-related ... Read more

February 3, 2022

Member Spotlight — Raymond Caswell

Member Stories

After a wonderful 87 years of flying, Raymond (Ray) Caswell, EAA 28431, reflects on some of his favorite memories at 99 years of age.

February 3, 2022

Volunteer Spotlight — Bill Zierdt

Member Stories

Bill Zierdt, EAA 685278, has been involved with EAA as a volunteer since 2000. As a former Army helicopter pilot who has flown a variety of types, Bill began as ... Read more

January 13, 2022

A BigFoot Replica for Christmas

Member Stories

Jay Jolley received an exciting surprise Christmas morning, an RC replica of his Carbon Cub, BigFoot, built by Daniel Baggett.

December 15, 2021

Solo Milestone — Ainsley Busenbark

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to EAA Chapter 677’s Ray scholar, Ainsley Busenbark, who soloed on Monday, December 13!

September 30, 2021September 30, 2021

Homebuilt Roundup — Products and Kits Every Homebuilder Should Keep an Eye Out For

AirVenture, Homebuilding

From simple tools to engines and avionics, all the way to full-blown kits, we are giving you the lowdown on the latest for homebuilders.

September 22, 2021

Solo Milestone — Finley Taylor

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations goes out to Finley, who soloed not one, but four airplanes on September 6!

August 25, 2021

Solo Milestone — Gus Steffen

Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to Gustave “Gus” Steffen, EAA 1262111, on his first solo flight!

July 28, 2021

Member Spotlight: Steve Morse

AirVenture, Member Stories

Meet Steve Morse, EAA 223710. That name might be familiar to you, if you are familiar with the Dixie Dregs, Kansas, or Deep Purple — but around Oshkosh, Steve is ... Read more

July 27, 2021

Honoring Paul and Continuing Education

Chapters, Youth & Young Eagles

EAA Chapter 36 Vice President Gary Keller gifted EAA with two handcrafted wooden stools to carry out the legacy and teachings of Paul Poberezny.

July 25, 2021July 26, 2021

Happy Anniversary, Debbie and Jack!

AirVenture, Member Stories

Jack Klein, EAA 518733, and Debbie Klein, EAA 1058911, celebrated their wedding by coming to AirVenture for their honeymoon, 40 years ago on this very day. “We were here for ... Read more

June 23, 2021June 23, 2021

Member Benefits: SOLIDWORKS

Member Stories, Youth & Young Eagles

EAA student member George Pytel, EAA 1396839, has been using SOLIDWORKS, a free CAD software program available to EAA members, to set himself up for success after high school in ... Read more

June 9, 2021June 11, 2021

EAA Chapter 677 Ray Scholar Pays It Forward

Chapters, Milestones, Why We Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

Lily Busenbark, EAA 1293705, has dreamed of flying Young Eagles before she even had her pilot certificate in hand. Lily’s first exposure to aviation was in August 2018 when she ... Read more

June 3, 2021

Paying It Forward

Youth & Young Eagles

Former Young Eagle and EAA Chapter 13 Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient, Randall Novak, paid it forward and flew his first Young Eagles passenger on Sunday, May 16.

June 3, 2021

Solo Milestone — Joshua Owsley

Learning to Fly, Milestones

Congratulations to Joshua Owsley on his first solo flight!

May 18, 2021

Milestone — EAA Chapter 677 Vice President John “Jack” Claude Bartholet Celebrates 50 Years of Flying

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Jack Claude Bartholet, EAA 1021797, is a flying octogenarian, having recently turned 80. On May 12, 2021, he celebrated 50 years of soaring through the sky.

April 29, 2021April 30, 2021

Cub Weathervanes Aid Chapter 898 Scholarship Fund

Chapters

We’ve all seen the standard weathervanes, some featuring roosters, but what about ones with a Cub on top?

April 22, 2021

Solo Milestone — Denver Scott

Milestones

Congratulations to Denver Scott, EAA 1108047, on completing his first solo flight!

April 8, 2021April 8, 2021

EAA Staffers Fly Great Horned Owl in Pilots N Paws Mission

Member Stories, Why We Fly

Christina Basken, EAA 1299943, and David Leiting, EAA Lifetime 579157, participated in their first Pilots N Paws mission on Friday, March 26, to transport an injured owl.

March 4, 2021March 4, 2021

Mission Complete

Uncategorized

EAA Chapter 27 members Laurie and Arianna Strand, using an RV-12 that was built as part of EAA’s Project Give Flight, flew a sick pelican from Connecticut to Florida to ... Read more

February 4, 2021

Ray Scholar Gives Back

Youth & Young Eagles

Jake Owsley, EAA 1283935 and Ray Aviation Scholar recipient, flies his first Young Eagle passengers after earning his private pilot certificate.

January 28, 2021

Making an Emergency Landing as a Student Pilot

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

Ryan Majors put his training to the ultimate test during his cross-country solo flight when he had to make an emergency landing in a field.

January 21, 2021

Private Pilot Milestone — Niall Devlin

Milestones

Niall Devlin, recipient of the Richard R. Harper Memorial Scholarship, earns his wings.

January 7, 2021January 8, 2021

EAA Young Eagles Pilot Receives Heartwarming Thank You

Why We Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

Former United Airlines Captain Larry Steenstry received a pleasant surprise when his former Young Eagle, Tyler Norton, knocked on his door to say thank you nine years after his introductory ... Read more

December 16, 2020December 16, 2020

Pipistrel’s Panthera Comes to Oshkosh

Why We Fly

Right Rudder Aviation made a stop in Oshkosh on their tour of the United States showing off Pipistrel’s Panthera.

December 10, 2020December 11, 2020

Solo Milestone — Hannah Treehan

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Rocklin, California, resident Hannah Treehan, EAA 1371080, celebrated a momentous milestone for a 16-year-old when she soloed on Tuesday, November 24, just two days before Thanksgiving.

December 3, 2020

Solo Milestone — Jennifer Miller

Learning to Fly, Milestones

Perhaps Jennifer was always meant to become a pilot. She had the interest, she just needed someone to help ignite that spark.

November 24, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Christina Basken

Learning to Fly, Milestones

EAA staffer Christina Basken earned her sport pilot certificate on Saturday, November 21.

November 24, 2020

5 States and 510 Airports in 55 Days Over 3 Years

Member Stories, Why We Fly

How Michael Haubrich became the first pilot to complete the airport passport program in five Midwest states.

November 11, 2020November 11, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Jessica Postle

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Jessica Postle on passing her private pilot checkride on October 9!

October 29, 2020October 29, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Lily Busenbark

Chapters, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Lily Busenbark, EAA 1293705, on passing her private pilot checkride on October 20!

October 22, 2020October 22, 2020

An Aviation Dreamland Nestled in the Ozarks

Member Stories

Meet Todd Banks. Located outside of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, near the Missouri border, exists the Banks Ranch; a private oasis and aviation dreamland built by Todd himself, with a little ... Read more

October 7, 2020October 7, 2020

A&P Milestone — Tyler Ballentine

Milestones

Congratulations to Tyler Ballentine on earning his A&P certificate!

September 3, 2020September 3, 2020

A Bright Future for Aviation

Homebuilding, Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

How one high school is keeping The Spirit of Aviation alive.

September 3, 2020September 3, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Ben Hausch

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations Ben Hausch, EAA 1381716, on recently passing his private pilot checkride on August 6!

August 27, 2020August 27, 2020

From Young Eagles Enthusiast to a Young Eagles Program Coordinator

Chapters, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations Matt Steward, EAA 1027069, on becoming EAA Chapter 671’s Young Eagles Program Coordinator!

August 27, 2020August 27, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Alexander Patrushin

Chapters, Learning to Fly, Milestones

Congratulations to EAA Chapter 105 Ray Scholar recipient Alexander Patrushin, EAA 1262553, on passing his private pilot checkride!

August 19, 2020August 19, 2020

AirVenture Inspires Marymoor RC Field Members to Build 15-foot Model C-133

DIY, Why We Fly

After seeing a C-130 at AirVenture in 2019, Marymoor, Washington, RC Club members Bryan Connelly, Hailin Truman, and Ian Morrow were inspired to begin their dream project of building and ... Read more

August 12, 2020August 12, 2020

West Michigan Aviation Academy Students Finish Flight Training

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

When the high school closed down in April to comply with Governor Whitmer’s executive order regarding COVID-19, staff put their heads together to find a way to help seniors who ... Read more

August 5, 2020August 5, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Jake Owsley

Chapters, Learning to Fly, Milestones

Congratulations to Jake Owsley, EAA 1283935 and EAA Chapter 677’s Ray Scholar recipient, for passing his private pilot checkride on July 10!

July 29, 2020July 29, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Kaylin Hart

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Kaylin Hart, EAA Chapter 932’s Ed Moricoli Memorial Flight Training Scholarship recipient, on passing her checkride.

July 16, 2020July 16, 2020

Solo Milestone — Three Generations Rich With Aviation Enthusiasm

Learning to Fly, Milestones

On July 2, 21-year-old Mac Copeland took another step toward joining the ranks of two generations of pilots before him by successfully soloing in a Cessna 172.

June 18, 2020June 18, 2020

EAA Chapter 1358 Presents Two Flight Training Scholarships

Chapters, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Wesley Rodgers, EAA 1343022, and Anna Pearce, EAA 1362418, of Chapter 1358 on their flight training scholarships!

June 11, 2020June 11, 2020

Solo and Written Milestone: Hobie Lippold

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Hobie Lippold, EAA 1257149, on recently passing his written exam.

June 4, 2020June 4, 2020

Give Flight Milestone

Chapters, Milestones

Congratulations to EAA Chapter 27 on the completion of their RV-12 build project (part of EAA’s Give Flight program) and first flight.

May 20, 2020May 20, 2020

Milestone: Noah Forcier

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Noah Forcier, EAA 1309864, for earning his private pilot certificate!

May 12, 2020May 15, 2020

From Young Eagle to Aeromedical Evacuation Officer

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations, William C. Buck III, EAA Lifetime 884321, on his recent graduation from the United States Army Flight School.

May 6, 2020May 6, 2020

Paying It Forward

Why We Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

Former Young Eagle Nathan Welch, EAA 1044612, gives back to youth as a STEM Flights pilot mentor.

April 23, 2020April 23, 2020

Angel Flight West

Why We Fly

Flying for a cause.

April 22, 2020April 22, 2020

EAA Chapter 382 Names Another Ray Aviation Scholarship Recipient

Chapters, Youth & Young Eagles

Honesty Stanifer, EAA 1343045, became the chapter’s newest scholarship recipient when the chapter surprised her with the award during their annual Christmas party.

March 25, 2020April 2, 2020

Milestone — Sándor Pethes Private Pilot Checkride

Milestones

Sometimes, letting someone fly will change their life.

January 22, 2020January 22, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Tabitha Yeomans

Chapters, Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to EAA Chapter 976 Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient Tabitha Yeomans, EAA 1204058, who passed her private pilot checkride on January 12!

January 8, 2020January 8, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Mateo Colmenero

Chapters, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Mateo Colmenero, Ray Aviation scholar and EAA 1200734, successfully passed his checkride on Sunday, just five short months after soloing.

December 17, 2019December 17, 2019

EAA Chapter 414 Gives Back for Christmas

Chapters

On Saturday, December 7, members of EAA Chapter 414 in Waukegan, Illinois, decided to forego the typical white elephant office Christmas party and instead give back.

December 4, 2019December 4, 2019

EAA Receives 4 Diorama Donations

EAA Museum

Harold and Gloria Kintzle’s late son, Shawn Kintzle, 56, EAA 337064, had just one dying wish: that his dioramas be donated and displayed at EAA.

September 18, 2019September 18, 2019

Meeting With Members at AOPA’s Tullahoma Fly-in

Why We Fly

A few EAA staffers and CEO Jack J. Pelton headed to William Northern Field on September 13 for AOPA’s Tullahoma Fly-In to visit with fellow EAA members, answer questions, and ... Read more

September 5, 2019September 5, 2019

New Holstein Super Cub Fly-In Photo Roundup

Why We Fly

Pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike gathered in New Holstein July 19-23 to share their passion for flight.

August 14, 2019August 15, 2019

Visiting the Museum of Flight

Member Stories

EAA staffer Christina Basken recently visited one of the world’s largest aviation museums, and came back with a great story and a lot of photos.

July 27, 2019July 28, 2019

Suiting Up — C-53 Painted With D-Day Invasion Stripes

Air Show, AirVenture, History, Honoring The Past, Warbirds

In recognition of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Dakota Territory Air Museum of Minot, North Dakota, participated with its fleet of aircraft in the air show yesterday. In addition ... Read more

July 27, 2019July 28, 2019

Championship Drone Racer — From Learning RC at Oshkosh to Professional Drone Racing

AirVenture, Why We Fly

19-year-old Alex Vanover got his start in RC here at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and is now winning world championships racing drones. “It’s a dream come true . ... Read more

July 25, 2019July 25, 2019

Bowers Fly Baby Makes First Oshkosh Trip Since 1970

AirVenture, Honoring The Past, Stories Of Oshkosh

Charlie and Steve Gay’s 1965 Bowers Fly Baby 608X has returned to Oshkosh for the first time since 1970. The Fly Baby is a single-seat, folding-wing monoplane, originally designed in ... Read more

July 25, 2019July 25, 2019

Whirling Around the World — Taking a Gyroplane on a Worldwide Journey

AirVenture, History, Member Stories

In 2003, Norman Surplus, then 40, was diagnosed with bowel cancer. The prognosis wasn’t good. “They gave me a 40 percent chance to live 18 months,” he recalled. As he ... Read more

July 22, 2019July 22, 2019

A Super Group — The New Holstein Super Cub Fly-In

Air Show, Chapters

Pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike gathered in New Holstein on Sunday, July 21, to share their passion for flight. The New Holstein Super Cub Fly-In started in 2002 and was ... Read more

July 22, 2019July 22, 2019

Fairey Firefly on Display in Warbirds Area

AirVenture, Warbirds

Capt. Eddie Kurdziel’s Fairey Firefly will be on display on Warbird Alley during AirVenture and was part of EAA’s highly anticipated Warbirds in Review program Monday afternoon. The Firefly’s first ... Read more

July 21, 2019July 21, 2019

First Airplane to Land at Oshkosh in 1970 Is Back in 2019

AirVenture, History, Honoring The Past, Stories Of Oshkosh

John Dyke, EAA Lifetime 3566, generously donated a one-of-a-kind Dyke Delta JD-2 N555A to EAA that will be on the convention grounds in front of the Brown Arch during AirVenture ... Read more

July 2, 2019July 2, 2019

Stories of Oshkosh — John Puent

AirVenture, Stories Of Oshkosh

John Puent, EAA 43711, has attended every EAA fly-in convention since 1970 and doesn’t plan on breaking his streak.

June 12, 2019August 21, 2019

Solo Milestone — Mallory Rhodes

Celebrating Women, Chapters, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Chapter 302’s Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient Mallory Rhodes who soloed on June 6 in Conroe, Texas.

June 6, 2019June 6, 2019

Relay Gives Pilots a Reason to Fly

Why We Fly

A bunch of pilots plus one well-traveled stuffed bear shows that GA is alive and well in Virginia.

May 30, 2019May 30, 2019

Dyke Delta Donated to EAA Aviation Museum

EAA Museum, Homebuilding

The Dyke Delta JD-2, N555A, was the very first airplane to land on the EAA Oshkosh grounds in 1970. This model is also the first of its kind, built by ... Read more

May 29, 2019May 29, 2019

Solo Milestone — Brendan Grahn

Milestones

Congratulations to 24-year-old Brendan Grahn, EAA 1302295, for soloing in a 1969 Piper Cherokee!

May 29, 2019May 29, 2019

Stories of Oshkosh — Doug Doers

AirVenture, Stories Of Oshkosh

Doug Doers, EAA 62304, has been attending AirVenture every year since 1996 and has been flying for more than 50 years.

May 23, 2019May 23, 2019

The Eaglet Inspires the Next Generation of Aviators

Ultralights, Youth & Young Eagles

Ronald Stokes, EAA 250174, is doing his part in keeping aviation alive by teaching young kids about aviation with a little help from his friend, the Eaglet.

May 14, 2019

Graham Robertson — Solo Milestone

Milestones

Congratulations to Graham Robertson who soloed in his uncle’s Cessna 172 on Tuesday, April 23.

May 9, 2019May 9, 2019

Ryan Elliott — Solo Milestone

Milestones

Congratulations to Ryan Elliott on his first solo in a powered aircraft!

April 17, 2019August 21, 2019

Dorinda Morpeth — 300th Young Eagle Milestone

Celebrating Women, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Dorinda Morpeth, who flew her 300th Young Eagle on March 30!

March 21, 2019March 21, 2019

Ryan Sundsmo — Solo Milestone

Milestones

Ryan Sundsmo has large dreams, soloing is just the beginning.

March 13, 2019March 13, 2019

Connor Privitt — Solo and Private Pilot’s Certificate Milestone

Learning to Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Connor Privitt on his solo flight and for earning his private pilot’s certificate!

March 7, 2019March 7, 2019

Get Your Kicks

Member Stories, Why We Fly

With a total of 2,448 miles of history-rich pavement, Route 66 is an ideal backdrop for a desert fly-in event.

February 28, 2019March 4, 2019

Caden Urschel – Solo Milestone

Milestones

Congratulations to 16-year-old Caden Urschel who successfully completed his first solo flight!

February 27, 2019August 21, 2019

Stories of Oshkosh — Jenny Orvis

AirVenture, Celebrating Women, Stories Of Oshkosh

Longtime volunteer Jenny Orvis said that on her first visit to AirVenture she was overwhelmed by the number of airplanes and people, but she loved it.

February 1, 2019February 1, 2019

Stories of Oshkosh — Dennis Carew

AirVenture, Stories Of Oshkosh

Did you ever lay in the grass as a child, staring up at the sky making shapes out of clouds in your mind when all of the sudden an airplane ... Read more

February 1, 2019February 1, 2019

Logan Yoon — Solo Milestone

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Logan Yoon on his first solo flight in a Cessna 172.

January 17, 2019January 17, 2019

Quad City Aircraft’s 35th Anniversary: Celebrating the Challenger in all its iterations

Anniversaries, Ultralights

The Quad City Ultralight Aircraft Corp. was founded 35 years ago, a year after the first Challenger single-place ultralight was designed. The QCUAC celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Challenger ... Read more

January 17, 2019January 17, 2019