One does not have to be a pilot, aircraft owner, or builder to be a member of EAA. An interest in aviation is the only qualification one needs. We have various programs and activities of interest to all.
The Experimental Aircraft Association was founded in 1953. These individuals were brought together by their interest in building and modifying aircraft. Experimentation and innovation were the keywords in the early years and they still ring true today. However, over the years the EAA has come to include antiques, classics, war-birds, ultra-lights, helicopter and manufactured aircraft. The EAA has grown over the last 50 years and is now composed of over 1000 Chapters in 21 countries.
Chapter #50 has quite a heritage. On March 1, 1959, the original 15 members were granted the Sandusky Area Charter. Over the years meetings were held at various members’ homes and airstrips. The chapter now has a permanent chapter meeting room at Hinde Field (88D), 1819 Boos Rd., Huron, Ohio (see road map below). We are able to boast of a membership roster of over eighty enthusiasts.
Chapter #50 normally meets the first Sunday of the month at 1:30 pm at Hinde Field. In the summer months the location varies. Members of the chapter with private airfields are gracious enough to host fly-in, drive-in, meetings, sharing their fields and hangars with the membership. These meetings are followed by potluck picnics and make for fun family events. We seek to have guest speakers who share experiences on a variety of educational aviation topics. technical demonstrations, and workshops are given. We maintain a library of aviation books and videos as well as computerized training and safety courses. The chapter supports a tool loan program to provide members with repair, maintenance and building construction tools. New tools are continually added to the program.
Chapter #50 members participate regularly in the EAA Young Eagles’ program. The goal of Young Eagles is to expose our youth to aviation. Collectively, our pilots have given flights to over 900 Young Eagles ages 8-17. This no-cost orientation is courtesy of our chapter pilots.
Chapter #50 is widely known for its annual fly-in pancake breakfast which is held the second Sunday in August at the Griffing-Sandusky Airport. The turnout and support by the aviation community is tremendous. We serve an average of over 650 breakfasts. Aircraft in attendance numbered upwards of 200.
Chapter #50 initiated an Aircraft Poker Run in July 2003. This involved two separate courses, one on grass strips for the ultralights and the other on hard surface runways for the standard aircraft, both starting and ending at the Norwalk-Huron County Airport . The enthusiastic participants assure us this event will grow.
Chapter #50 occasionally holds a Spring Banquet. This event has attracted such notable speakers as: SR71 pilot Brian Shul, Voyager Pilot Dick Rutan, United Captain Al Haynes and Acrobatic Pilot and Retired Northwest Captain, Julie Clark.
Chapter #50 members are currently involved with the following aircraft:
| BUILDING |
RESTORING |
COMPLETED |
|
| AcroSport |
Piper Tri-Pacer |
Cessna 140 |
Quicksilver Sprint I |
| Baby Ace |
Pitts |
Challenger |
Sonex |
| Great Lakes |
Stinson 108-3 |
Citabria |
Starduster I |
| Pietenpol |
Cessna 140 |
Culver |
Taylor Craft |
| Rotor Way Helicopter |
|
RV 6 |
|
| RV 6 |
|
RV 8 |
|
| RV 7 |
|
Midget Mustang |
|
| RV 9A |
|
Pulsar |
|
| Vari Viggen |
|
Piper Cub |
|
| Zenith STOL CH 750 |
|
Pietenpol |
|
Chapter #50 Technical counselors are members who have either an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic rating, experience restoring aircraft, or have built their own aircraft. They volunteer their knowledge to guide others through the building or restoration process.
Chapter #50 Flight Advisors are volunteers who help chapter members, and area pilots, evaluate their capability to fly a specific aircraft. This service can also be utilized for the first flight of a new or restored aircraft.
Chapter #50, developed a Boy Scout Aviation Merit Badge program. program, at present we have had over 95 Boy Scouts obtain their Aviation Merit Badge through an on-site, overnight workshop at Hinde Airport.
Chapter #50 maintains an award-winning web site (4th place EAA 2007, 1st place EAA 2008) and an award-winning, monthly newsletter (3rd place EAA 2008). Monthly newsletters are available for download from the #50's web site.
Chapter #50 is a 501(c)3 Charitable Organization operating as a non-profit corporation in the state of Ohio.
Thank-you for your interest in EAA Chapter #50. Feel welcome to attend a meeting. Sample the coffee and the donuts and experience an afternoon of aviation camaraderie.
Information
Boy Scout Aviation Merit Badge Training will take place at the Hinde Airport (88D) beginning on Saturday, September 18, at 8:00 am. It will conclude in the afternoon of Sunday, September 19. Pre-registration is required for participation. If your Boy Scout troop is interested in participating in this program, please contact us using the Contact Us link in the Resources Menu to schedule a weekend.
