Chapter Hangar Is 'Buzzing' With Activity As Fall Begins

EAA Chapter 534 has two brand new challenges to work on as summer gives way to fall in Central Florida and everywhere else in the country.

The first one is to restore a 1964 Cessna 150-D that needs some cosmetic work, avionics and its Continental O-200, 100 horsepower engine overhauled. This plane was donated by the father of one of the chapter members. It seems to have a solid framework, or as one person said, “good bones”, and there is already an interested buyer waiting in the wings when the plane is restored to flying status. The engine overhaul will become a separate job overseen by two chapter members who have had experience with this type of work.

The second new project is a Murphy Rebel. This is a single engine aluminum aircraft kit donated by a chapter member. The aluminum wings of this plane have already been partially built.

The old standby, the Pietenpol Air Camper, will be the only wood and fabric aircraft being worked on. Currently the landing gear is being constructed. Another project from last year is the Bede-6, a single engine, single seat aircraft donated to the chapter by the Bede Family for our Aviation Youth program. This is the first aluminum airplane that they and some of the adults have been exposed to.

That means that along with the usual Young Eagles Flight program each month, Chapter 523 has five separate projects being worked on by both our adult and Aviation Youth members.

The adult members are assigned to work on a project based on their knowledge, expertise and building experience. They are also assigned to work with and instruct members of the chapter’s Aviation Youth program. From time to time the kids are rotated around to work on different projects with the adult members so they get to experience different aspects of aircraft construction and maintenance. In between times, they are given classroom instruction on airmanship and flight simulator time.

Because Chapter 534 is a 503-C non-profit organization they have been fortunate to have aircraft kits, tools and other planes in various states of repair donated to sustain the Aviation Youth program. The plan is to teach the young people how to build and repair these planes and then sell them to keep this fine aeronautical education program rolling.

It appears this is going to be a busy year in the EAA Chapter 534 hangar. A lot of aeronautical education will take place for both young and adult members and many new skills will be learned.

(Images provided by EAA Chapter 534 and used with permission)

FMI: eaachapter534.org