EAA 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.

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.

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.