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About Chapter 493
Purpose of EAA
Chapter History
Chapter Activities
Officers
Membership Roster
Purpose of EAA The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is an international nonprofit organization devoted to promoting exerimental and general aviation. EAA provides technical guidance to builders of experimental aircraft from its headquarters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and through the hundreds of local chapters throughout the U.S. and around the world. EAA also has divisions devoted to ultralights, warbirds, and aerobatics. Chapters of these specialty groups are scattered across the U.S. as well.
EAA also promotes aviation through its annual fly-in at Oshkosh. The EAA "Airventure" fly-in is the largest fly-in in the world with almost a million visitors each year.
EAA Chapters promote aviation and good old-fashion fun through local fly-ins, workshops, and cross-country trips, and the Young Eagles Program. Young Eagles is a program to give teenage youth tieir first aircraft ride. Learn more about Young Eagles here.
Chapter History In early 1972 there was a group of pilots in San Angelo, TX that thought they would like to start an EAA Chapter. However, there weren't enough folks to qualify for a Chapter. What to do?? They got off their duffs and went on a recruiting campaign -- that is two or three of them. They suceeced in rounding up the required 10 members. The group of pilots finally got their state incorporation and thus a national EAA Chapter Charter #493 in 1976. That was a milestone and, as they had no funds or lawyer type in the group, Bob Reece took on the job of getting all the paper work accomplished. Lawerence Wright and Bob Reece are the only remaining charter members. Throughout the years, Lawrence and Bob have served every officer position, some more than once.
Over the years the chapter has hosted or cohosted several different happenings. Several years ago, the city asked us to host and coordinate an airshow here in San Angelo-- Which we did and the shows were very sussesful-- However, we were not included in the sharing of the proceeds. Others did and, after two or three years, we finally decided "To heck with it."
We did undertake the restoring of a J-3 Cub wing at one time. It went well for a while but the guys drifted off, so we sold the wing to someone.
We also participated with the 4-H girls for several years by giving them rides in the aircraft. This was not an official chapter project but of a chapter member (a good one by the way) and he has since moved away.
Now, of course, we are involved with the major national EAA Programs such as Young Eagles, Flying Start, and others.
Our membership has varied somewhat over the years but, for all practical purposes, it remains rather steady at 40-50.
We try to have several flying events throughout the year besides our regular chapter meetings. Some are straight out socials, some flying, and some combined. We try to have good programs at the meetings also.
I hope this gives you an idea of what our chapter is up to. Should you need more information or have questions please contact us.
Chapter Activities Chapter 493 has a variety of programs throught the year. We have regular chapter meetings for chapter business and brief educational presentations. We also have monthly flying activities and workshops. We occasionally have special meetings to recruit members or fly Young Eagles.
Monthly Chapter Meetings Date: 3rd Tuesday of the Month
Time: 7:00 pm (Eat at the Airport Cafe at 6:00)
Location: Mathis Field Conference RoomMonthly Flying Trips/Workshops Date: Saturdays following Chapter Meetings
Time: 10:00 am (winter), 7:00 am (summer)
Location: Johnny Williams' Hangar at Ducote Airpark
Purpose: Fly somewhere as a group or learn construction techniques if the weather's bad.Young Eagles Date and Time:As needed
Location:Usually Mathis FieldFlying Start
(Learn to Fly Program)Date and Time: Twice per year
Location:U.S. Customs Building, Mathis Field
Officers
President: Pat Nuytten
Vice-President: Gerry Hatch
Secretary: Richard Martin
Treasurer: Joe Christian
Assistant Treasurer: George Spinks
Newsletter: Bill Yeates
Refreshment Coordinator:Barbra Yeates
Director: Bill Yeates
Director: Leon York
Technical Counselor: Bob Reece
Young Eagles: Don Treadwell
Webmaster: Bob Heiser
Membership Roster
The membership roster for Chapter 493 has been moved to Yahoo. Members of Chapter 493 Yahoo email reflector can view the roster there.
Send us your comments and questions!
Last updated:November 20, 2009