April 13, 2017November 7, 2025

Russell Swartzfager – Private Pilot Milestone

Congratulations to Russell Swartzfager, EAA 1161378, who passed his private pilot checkride on February 28 out of the Crystal River Airport (KCGC) in Florida.

April 11, 2017November 6, 2025

From Young Eagle to the Pylons at Reno

Member Stories, Why We Fly, Youth Outreach

Tom McNerney’s introduction to aviation was much more humble than one might expect looking at his race plane Unleashed.

April 8, 2017November 6, 2025

Hal Bryan – First Pilots N Paws Flight Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones, Why We Fly

Congratulations to EAA staffer Hal Bryan, EAA 638979, for completing his first Pilots N Paws rescue flight on November 12 with his wife, Muffy. Hal flew from Oshkosh to Jasper ... Read more

April 4, 2017November 6, 2025

A Pillar of Our Chapter

Chapters, Member Stories, Why We Fly

At the heart of this story is aviator Dick Pingrey, a force of nature from Selah, Washington, and his last two airplane projects he whipped into completion.

March 31, 2017October 17, 2025

Brad Hahn – Solo Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to Chapter 444 President Brad Hahn, EAA 1098593, who successfully completed his first solo March 28 at the Waupaca County Airport. “Thanks to everyone that has helped me along this ... Read more

March 30, 2017November 6, 2025

The Ups and Downs of First Flights

Homebuilding, Member Stories

By Justin Inman, EAA 1057655 Flying the first flight in an experimental airplane is unlike anything else in the world. The mix of emotions, physical senses, extreme focus, and heightened ... Read more

March 22, 2017October 28, 2025

Two Flight Jackets and One Twist of Fate

Honoring The Past, Member Stories

By John Slemp, EAA 837033 Coincidence: a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection. This definition is restated here as it is central to the story I’m ... Read more

March 16, 2017November 7, 2025

Edward L. Hasch Jr. – Master Mechanic Award Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to Edward L. Hasch Jr., EAA 237979, who was presented with the FAA’s Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award on March 8 at the Nashville FSDO. Ed spent 46 years ... Read more

March 15, 2017October 29, 2025

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring – Summer Breeze

Homebuilding, Member Stories

By Whitney Coyle, EAA 736036, New Smyrna Beach, Florida Florida Breezy My Breezy journey began back in 2008 with my first trip to AirVenture as a fresh A&P certificate at ... Read more

March 9, 2017November 6, 2025

Searey Solo Around the World

Member Stories, Milestones, Why We Fly

Michael Smith, EAA 1001669, of Williamstown in Victoria, Australia, recently finished a flight that most of us could only dream about: a trip around the world in his Searey named ... Read more

March 2, 2017October 28, 2025

Learning to Fly in the Late Fifties

Learn to Fly, Member Stories, Why We Fly

By Hans Schroeder, EAA 43437 We all agree (I think) that once you catch the bug, flying never lets go of you no matter how long you abstain. And so, after ... Read more

February 20, 2017October 17, 2025

Young Eagles Helped Airman Get His Wings

Member Stories, Youth Outreach

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the EAA Young Eagles program in 2017, we’re featuring 25 Young Eagles whose stories inspire and exemplify the impact of the program. February ... Read more

February 10, 2017October 17, 2025

Airport Renamed to Honor EAA Member

Member Stories

February 9, 2017 – The pilots and greater community of Payson, Arizona, wanted to find a way to honor Rich Henry, EAA 553213, for his lifelong contributions to aviation in the ... Read more

February 4, 2017October 17, 2025

The Stories of Those Flying EAA’s B-17 Aluminum Overcast – Col. Richard Bushong

Honoring The Past, Member Stories, Warbirds

The B-17G has a remarkable story. One filled with daring missions and personal sacrifice. More than just an airplane, the B-17 is living history that holds a remarkable connection to ... Read more

February 3, 2017November 6, 2025

Young Eagle, EAA Staff Member Comes Full Circle

Member Stories, Youth Outreach

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the EAA Young Eagles program in 2017, we’re featuring 25 Young Eagles whose stories inspire and exemplify the impact of the program. David ... Read more

February 2, 2017November 6, 2025

Brandon Brown – Commercial Rating Written Exam Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones, Youth Outreach

Congratulations to 18-year-old Brandon Brown, EAA 1229004, who in the past year alone has earned his instrument rating, a commercial drone pilot license, and began working on his commercial rating. ... Read more

January 26, 2017October 17, 2025

Steve Shuter – Private Pilot Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to Steve Shuter, EAA 1105380, who passed his checkride in April 2016 at Orlando Apopka Airport (X04) in Apopka, Florida. Steve successfully completed the checkride on his first attempt, ... Read more

January 12, 2017October 17, 2025

Alex Dietrich – Private Pilot Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones

January 12, 2017 – Congratulations to Alex Dietrich, grandson of Walter Dietrich, EAA 55519, who on January 4 became a third-generation pilot after passing his private checkride. After graduating high school ... Read more

January 5, 2017October 17, 2025

A Legacy Continues

Honoring The Past, Member Stories, Warbirds

December 29, 2016 – EAA’s main goal is to grow participation in aviation. It is able to do so thanks to people who are willing to help create the pathway ... Read more

January 5, 2017October 17, 2025

A Love Reunited

Homebuilding, Member Stories

By Emily Noack, EAA 848998, Museum Service Rep December 22, 2016 – For EAAers in the Oshkosh area Tracy Noack’s hangar is the Sunday morning destination. It is a meeting ... Read more