|
The local
chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association are the foundation of the
association’s grass-roots efforts to secure a bright future for aviation.
EAA Chapter 43 assists by publicly promoting the building and flying of
experimental, antique, classic, warbird, aerobatic, ultralight, light sport, and
contemporary manufactured aircraft. The
organization also encourages young people to become involved in aviation through
the EAA Young Eagles program (see Young Eagles section).
The
Chapter conducts monthly meetings to further the membership’s education in
aviation subjects. The meetings are
open to the public and include guest speakers who are experts on experimental
and other aircraft, flying techniques, aircraft and aircraft building safety,
and aircraft design. Many
presentations focus on trips that members haven taken in their aircraft that are
of interest to others who may not be able to experience such travel.
The
Chapter hosts an annual meeting and banquet each January to honor those who have
served the Chapter and its members and beneficiaries.
EAA
Chapter 43 provides funding and educational opportunities to young people in
Colorado who are interested in aviation. Scholarships
are provided to students who are chosen through a demonstration of their
commitment to hard work in their school and community service, and have a
blossoming interest in aviation. Most
of the selected students attend the annual Air Academy Aviation Camps held each
summer in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The
camps are for youth ages 12-18 who are interested in aviation.
The week-long camps provide programs designed to help kids explore the
world of flight through aviation studies, hands-on activities, actual flight
simulation and, weather permitting, a flight experience, too. These camps
provide the motivation and foundation for a lifelong love of aviation as well as
the opportunity to create strong friendships with other aviation enthusiasts.
EAA
Chapter 43 has volunteer Technical Counselors and Flight Advisors who assist
members and non-members in their aviation needs.
Technical Counselors are EAA members who have extensive experience
building and/or restoring aircraft. They
assist builders or restorers by visiting them at their building location or
discussing their works-in-progress at meetings and fly-ins. The goal of the
program is to help builders/restorers present a “zero defect” aircraft at
its final inspection by the FAA. Lower
insurance rates may be another advantage of participating in the Technical
Counselor program. Flight Advisors assist members to assure they are adequately
prepared to test-fly their specific aviation creations by discussing their pilot
skills and currency, and by discussing how to perform that crucial first and
ensuing flights. Flight Advisors
are also an assist to pilots who want to transition to a high-performance or
unfamiliar aircraft.
The
Chapter participates as one of many co-sponsors of the Annual EAA Rocky Mountain
Regional Fly-in held the last weekend of June at the Front Range Airport (FTG)
east of Denver. The event draws
tens of thousands of people and includes an air show, civilian and military
aircraft to examine, aircraft related exhibits, hands-on technical seminars, and
free flights for the Young Eagles participants. The Chapter also participates in
local airport public open houses and other aviation events. The objective of
these efforts is to help reach out to the public and promote aviation in a
favorable light and to help demonstrate the value of general aviation to the
local economies.
EAA
Chapter 43 is in the process of gaining 501(c)(3) non-profit status from the
Internal Revenue Service. Upon reaching that status, the Chapter will be in a position
to accept tax-exempt donations from members of the public who want to help
further advance the objectives of the Chapter.
|