What a Summer for Chapter 509!

From our monthly gatherings and Young Eagles events to AirVenture and plenty of opportunities to simply spend time together, it has been exciting to see so many members, families, youth, and visitors getting involved.

Our summer monthly gatherings brought something different each month. In June, Mary Berg shared the story of D-Day and the experiences of three Parachute Infantry Regiments. July was all about getting ready for Oshkosh with AirVenture Tips and Tricks, and August took us to Rosenbaum Field for an evening of hot air ballooning by Boyceville Hot Air Balloning. That gathering drew approximately 275 people, making it an incredible night for the chapter and the community.

AirVenture was another highlight. This was the first year of Chapter 509 camping together at Oshkosh, and it was a huge success. Members had a place to gather throughout the week, spend time together, and enjoy everything AirVenture had to offer. We have already heard from many people interested in joining the chapter camping group next year!

We also had a little Chapter 509 history made again when our own Mike Kuhn set a new world Cleco record with a time of 24.84 seconds!

We owe a huge thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make this summer possible. So many of you have flown Young Eagles, prepared food, helped at gatherings, worked with youth, set up, cleaned up, shared your aviation knowledge, and stepped in wherever help was needed. We truly appreciate the time and energy you continue to give to Chapter 509.

Hi! My name is Steve Brilla and I'm from Chippewa Falls. I have been a member of the EAA 509 now for a little over a year now. Since I was a little kid I dreamed of being a pilot, and at age 39 I decided it was time. My Journey started in 2023 as I started ground school prior to flying, and completed my flight training through Gibson Aviation in 2024. In 2025, I continued my training with Osceola Aerosport, received my tailwheel endorsement, and built my affinity for "taildraggers". In the future, I am looking to get my instrument rating and proceed with getting my CFI rating as I love teaching. 

Outside of flying, my biggest passion is building things! In the past year I have been driving all over the United States collecting kits to build a Vans RV-7. I currently have the empennage and wings complete, and the fuselage is started. The plane is nicknamed "Red Beards Revenge" as a tribute to my close friend Neil who had recently passed away too young from cancer. 

I have to say joining the EAA 509 was one of the most important things I have done throughout my aviation journey. Building the network with people that love to fly led me to also join the Viking Flying Club (Strum) and Rosenbaum Field (Chippewa Falls). I also am a part of the "Champ Club" based out of Strum, and get to fly their 1946 Aeronca champ regularly.

Outside of flying I enjoy spending time with my wife (Dana) and two kiddos (Abby and Steven) who all have joined the 509 this year as well. We all had a great time camping with this chapter at AirVenture this year!    

Meet Our 2026 Ray Aviation Scholar

We are proud to introduce Rohan Banjara, our 2026 Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient!

Rohan is 17 years old and a high school student with a strong interest in aviation. Outside of flying, he enjoys being outdoors, especially fishing with friends, and has participated in soccer and track throughout middle and high school. He hopes to turn his longtime interest in aviation into a career as a professional pilot.

Long before being selected for the Ray Aviation Scholarship, Rohan was already an active member of Chapter 509. For nearly a year, he regularly attended monthly gatherings, participated in youth activities and aviation learning opportunities, toured the Air Traffic Control tower, took his first Young Eagles flight, and volunteered at chapter events. He sought out the chapter because of his desire to learn more about aviation and has become a familiar face in our chapter community.

Born in Nepal, Rohan moved to the United States in 2016. His 20 hour flight to the U.S. helped spark his interest in aviation. He was so excited to be on an airplane that he did not sleep the entire way! For Rohan, aviation is also about the opportunities it can provide, connecting people to work, education, new places, and even a new life, as it did for him.

Rohan has already begun flight training with Gibson Aviation Services and has logged approximately 10 hours. He plans to attend Minnesota State University, Mankato to study Professional Flight, with the ultimate goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot.

Congratulations, Rohan! We are excited to support you as you continue working toward your dream of becoming a pilot.

Member Generosity Creates New Scholarship Fund

Chapter 509 members recently came forward wanting to help our members pursue opportunities in aviation. Their generosity led to the creation of the EAA Chapter 509 Scholarship Fund, giving us a way to provide financial support for flight training and other aviation education opportunities.

We are excited to already be putting those funds to work. This year, several impressive young people applied for the Ray Aviation Scholarship. While only one could be selected as our Ray Scholar, our members were inspired by the applicants. Thanks to their generosity, Chapter 509 will be awarding scholarships to the other youth who applied this year, helping them continue toward their aviation goals.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible! The scholarship fund will continue to grow through donations, allowing Chapter 509 to provide even more opportunities for people in the future.

Be Part of Chapter 509

It has been exciting to see Chapter 509 grow and welcome so many new faces this past year. More members means more people connecting, sharing their love of aviation, bringing new ideas, and helping us create even more opportunities for our chapter and local youth.

2026 Chapter Dues
$40 Individual Membership
$60 Family Membership

Dues help support chapter gatherings, youth programs, outreach, and other activities throughout the year.

Already a member? Thank you for being part of Chapter 509! If you haven't joined yet or still need to renew, you can take care of your dues at any monthly gathering or online.

Want to Get More Involved?

As Chapter 509 continues to grow, so do the opportunities for members to get involved.

We know everyone has different schedules and commitments, and volunteering with the chapter does not have to mean taking on a major role. Sometimes we simply need an extra set of hands for an event, someone willing to help with food, a few people to work with youth, or someone with a particular skill or interest.

• If you would be interested in helping from time to time, send us a quick email at connect@eaachapter509.com

We’ll add you to our volunteer list and reach out when opportunities come up. You can always decide whether a particular opportunity works for you.

And if you have an idea for something you think Chapter 509 should try, we want to hear that too! A new activity, gathering idea, youth project, workshop, fly-out, social event, or something completely different is always worth sharing. We are especially excited when someone has an idea they would like to help take the lead on.

Some of the best things happening in our chapter start with a member saying, “What if we tried this?”

An Afternoon at the Lake

A big thank you to Guy Wood for opening his home and hosting Chapter 509 members for an afternoon at the lake!

It was a beautiful day spent riding around the lake on the pontoon, enjoying good food, visiting with fellow members, and simply having some time together outside of our regular chapter activities.

Thank you, Guy, for your hospitality and for giving everyone another opportunity to connect and enjoy each other’s company.

August 29 | Young Eagles Rally
We still have a few spots available for our upcoming Young Eagles Rally! Youth ages 8–17 can experience a free introductory flight with one of our volunteer pilots.

Flights are weather dependent, and we are hopeful Mother Nature will cooperate! Sign up for a Young Eagles flight here.

September 10 | September Monthly Gathering
Join us for our September gathering with Lt. Col. Tyler Shaver, who will be presenting on the Volk Military Operations Area and his personal experience with a F-35B ejection. Come early for food and conversation before the presentation.

October 4 & 5 | Scout Merit Badge
Chapter 509 will be helping local Scouts complete requirements toward earning their Aviation Merit Badge, including Young Eagles flights and hands-on aviation activities.

October 13 | Homestars Homeschool Group
Chapter members will be sharing aviation and introducing local homeschool families to EAA Chapter 509 and the opportunities available in aviation.

Kwik Trip Scrip Cards

Did you know you can support Chapter 509 while buying fuel, groceries, or your favorite Kwik Trip snacks?

Through our Kwik Trip Scrip program, the chapter purchases gift cards at a discounted rate and sells them at face value. The difference goes directly back to supporting chapter programs and activities.

It's one of the easiest ways to support the chapter without spending an extra dollar.

Cards are available at the monthly gatherings or by contacting Jim Johnegen at 715-450-7202.

Chapter 509 Swag Store

If your closet isn't already at least 30% aviation apparel, are you even trying?

Our online swag store features apparel, water bottles, tote bags, and more. You choose the style, color, and size, and everything ships directly to your door.

New this summer: activewear options have been added!

Every purchase helps support Chapter 509 programs and activities while letting you show off your chapter pride.

Thank You for Being Part of Chapter 509

Thank you for being part of EAA Chapter 509 and helping us build a welcoming aviation community in the Chippewa Valley. Whether you attend gatherings, volunteer, share your knowledge, or simply enjoy staying connected, we’re glad to have you as part of the chapter.

We hope to see you at a Chapter 509 gathering or event soon!

Our Commitment
EAA Chapter 509 is committed to providing a welcoming and positive experience for all members and guests. Our Non-Discrimination Policy is available on our website.

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