A week after nasty weather limited attendance at Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 534’s scheduled Fly-In/Drive-In breakfast, the local aviation enthusiasts tried again on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Leesburg International Airport. This time, the weather was better and more people attended.
The event was originally scheduled for Sept. 30, but rain and low ceilings prevented pilots from flying in. Still, many people wanted to attend and didn’t get the cancellation notice because it was sent out too close to the start time. Organizers decided to go ahead and set up for the breakfast in the crowded hangar and make the best of it. About 40 people came despite the bad weather, and they enjoyed a small aviation get together that worked out just fine.
This past Saturday, the weather situation was much better and organizers were able to set up their grills outside, as well as a tented area covering the tables and chairs. They served a sumptuous breakfast of blueberry pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, orange juice, and coffee. In the sitting area, many flying stories were swapped and new friends made.
Members were on hand to conduct tours through the hangar explaining the aircraft building projects. For example, an aluminum Murphy Rebel aircraft kit is being built, a Cessna 150 is being worked on to restore it to flying status and a plans built 1929 Pietenpol replica is being constructed. These planes are being worked on by adult members and some of the aviation youth members of the chapter.
The next Fly In / Drive In Breakfast will be held sometime in the spring of 2024, and again they will beseech the weather gods to bless them with good weather so they will not need a rain date. The next one will be announced sometime in early 2024.
Social events of this type are fun for members and guests as everybody gets to meet new like-minded aviation people, both pilots and aviation enthusiasts. The chapter benefits as donations for the meal add up and many times, they are able to recruit new members.
EAA Chapter 534 is a very active chapter and they also have an aviation youth group, Squadron 534.They build or repair donated aircraft and when they are completed and become air worthy, they are sold. Any profit that is made is plowed back into the youth program to keep it moving ahead.
EAA Chapter 534 is a 501 C-3 nonprofit, tax exempt organization. If you would like more information about EAA National or EAA Chapter 534 you may go to the following web sites: www.eaa.org or www.eaachapter534.org.
