May Newsletter

May is shaping up to be a big month for Chapter 509. With our pancake breakfast, Young Eagles flights, and other events right around the corner, we’re excited to kick off a busy season and see so many members and community members out at the airport.

Don’t Miss It — This Saturday! Pancake Breakfast & Young Eagle Flights

*Young Eagles Update

All Young Eagle flight slots are currently full, and we will not be taking sign-ups at the door.

We’re excited for a full day of flying and appreciate the incredible interest!

Monthly Gathering — May 14

Join us for our May gathering featuring a hot air balloon presentation by Boyceville Hot Air Ballooning, where we’ll learn more about ballooning, how it works, and what it’s like to fly.

Please note: This month’s gathering will be held at Rosenbaum Field, not our usual location.

Due to an expected larger crowd, we’ll be offering a simple meal option before the presentation: Hot dog, chips, and a drink combo.

6:00 PM – Meal and social time
7:00 PM – Presentation

We’re looking forward to a great turnout and a fun, unique evening at Rosenbaum Field.

View more upcoming events here: Events Page

My name is Nicole Korn, and this is why we joined Chapter 509.

My 12 year old son, Mason, has a passion for airplanes. We live near the Chippewa Valley Airport, and whenever planes are taking off, landing, or circling in the sky, Mason is studying them. I knew I had to find an activity or organization for him to be involved in.

After doing some Google research, I came across EAA Chapter 509. I reached out by email to get more information and was invited to attend a meeting. From the moment we arrived at the clubhouse, we were warmly greeted by members, and I instantly felt welcome.

After listening to the discussion that night, another member encouraged me to get involved with the board. By the end of that first meeting, I knew this was a club we could truly be part of.

I signed Mason up for his first Young Eagles flight, and when the day came, he was beyond excited. After all, airplanes are his passion. We continued attending meetings together, listening to guest speakers share their aviation stories and experiences.

By November 2025, we were both official members of Chapter 509, and by the end of the year, I was elected to the board as secretary.

We started 2026 with another great hands on activity, the Cell Phone Stand Build. Mason had the opportunity to work alongside volunteers and successfully build his own stand using components similar to those used in aircraft.

Mason has also shared some of his artwork with the club and was recently recognized on the chapter’s Facebook page.

I can’t believe how a simple Google search for aviation activities led us to a new aviation family with EAA Chapter 509.

Young Eagles Events Coming Up

Our Young Eagles season is quickly approaching. These events give youth ages 8–17 the opportunity to experience their first flight in a small aircraft, often sparking a lifelong interest in aviation.

Upcoming Rallies

May 9 | 8:00–11:00 AM – Chippewa Valley Regional Airport — In conjunction with the Pancake Breakfast

June 13 | 8:00–11:00 AM – Boyceville

June 28 | 8:00–11:00 AM – Strum

August 8 | 8:00–11:00 AM – Rosenbaum Field

We are especially in need of more pilots. The more pilots we have, the more kids we’re able to take up and inspire through the joy of flight.

If you’re interested in flying or helping at a Young Eagle event, please email youngeagles@eaachapter509.com. These flights make a lasting impact on the next generation of aviators.

Join Experimental Aircraft Association Learn to Fly Week, May 11–14, for a series of FREE live webinars designed to help you start your flight training journey.

These interactive sessions are led by experienced flight instructors and aviation professionals and cover topics like:

• How to get started in flight training
• Choosing the right flight school
• Passing the FAA written test
• Saving time and money while training
• Learning with a flight simulator
• FAA medical certification
• Checkride success tips

Best of all, these webinars are open to everyone — no EAA national membership required.

If flying has been on your “someday” list, this is a great way to turn someday into a plan.

Learn more: https://www.eaa.org/ltfweek

Youth Outreach Highlight

EAA Chapter 509 recently participated in the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire’s Future Me Career Fair, connecting with young students and introducing them to the world of aviation.

Our Youth Coordinator, Jeff, who is also a commercial pilot, spent time talking with kids about what it’s like to be a pilot and the many opportunities aviation can offer.

Students also enjoyed hands on activities, including building whirlygigs to explore basic flight concepts and earning their own set of wings.

Events like this are a great way for our chapter to spark curiosity, share knowledge, and inspire the next generation of aviators.

Chapter Dues

Chapter 509 dues help support our gatherings, youth programs, and outreach throughout the year.

Dues can be renewed in person at any monthly gathering or HERE.

$40 per year – Individual $60 per year – Family

Your membership helps make the chapter’s events, programs, and community possible.

We look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming gatherings and events.

Thank you for helping make EAA Chapter 509 a welcoming and active aviation community in the Chippewa Valley.

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