EAA South Central Ozarks Chapter 1218

Members of EAA’s South Central Ozarks Chapter 1218 cordially invite aviation enthusiasts to join us in safe, enjoyable sport and recreational aviation activities. At our beautiful Chapter hangar at the airport in Willow Springs, Missouri, and through fly-out meetings to area airports, we hold programs featuring aviation topics and and we include social activities so that all can experience the fun of flying.

The Chapter 1218 Hangar

Photograph by Henrietta Christensen

Chapter 1218 members own and/or fly a variety of aircraft. Some are in the process of building a fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter of their own, or restoring an airplane of the past. Our parent organization, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), has its roots in the homebuilt aircraft movement. The Chapter has a Technical Advisor available to members who are building their own aircraft; and a Flight Advisor for those preparing for the initial flight of a new experimental aircraft. We also have members who fly helicopters, light sport aircraft, ultralights, powered parachutes, and radio-controlled airplanes.

What is a Young Eagles Rally?
Chapter 1218 Young Eagles Roster
National Young Eagles Home Page

A primary focus of Chapter 1218 is providing introductory flights to “Young Eagles,” who are young people aged 8-17 years, by member pilots. We were active participants in meeting EAA’s goal of having flown one million youth by December, 2003, the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight. Chapter 1218 met its goal of flying 1000 youth by the Centennial. The Young Eagles program will continue at airports in our membership area. Chapter 1218 also presents school programs by member pilots. Science and math classes are especially targeted for the programs, as well as career days. A computer flight simulator is a regular feature of Young Eagles rallies and school programs. Our members strongly support the enhancement of science, math, and other technological subjects in our schools as students in these subjects often choose an aviation-related field as a career.

Activities Calendar
Books to Buy
Chapter Officers
Chapter History
Members' Projects
Wright Flyer Project
Lots of Links

We invite you to join us Saturday, June 7, 2008, starting at 7:00 a.m. for a “yard sale” until 1:00 p.m. The business meeting will follow the yard sale, and we will have a burger cookout, at the Chapter 1218 hangar at Willow Springs Memorial Airport (1H5).

Our Patriotic Celebration of Flight

On December 17, 2003, Chapter 1218 tested Bill Ghan’s Wright Flyer replica, which received its FAA certification just the day before. It broke ground by a scant few inches, and problems were discovered. Everyone agreed, though, that it was a great way to celebrate the Centennial of Aviation.

This bald eagle came to see what all the excitement was about on December 17, 2003.
Photograph by Dave Altis

On January 10, 2004, the Chapter held an open house after the business meeting. The weather was just as perfect as it had been on December 17, so the attempt to fly the replica was made once again. This time flight was successful, lasting 9.67 seconds, reaching a height of 8 feet 9 inches and covering a distance of 290 feet. It was piloted by Don Nevels, longtime friend of Bill Ghan, and Chapter 1218 member. The Wright Flyer replica is now on permanent display at Springfield-Branson Regional Airport.


	Watch it fly! (2MB)

		Photographs by Henrietta Christensen Video by Dave Altis Members of Chapter 1218

©2000-2008 EAA Chapter 1218. All rights reserved. Material on these pages may be copied and quoted provided credit is given. Photographic pictures, even if not credited, are the property of the members who submitted them; they may not be copied and reused without the consent of the respective members.