Exciting Improvements Coming to Chapter 509

We're excited to share that EAA Chapter 509 will soon be getting a paved parking area and sidewalk leading to the clubhouse.

This project will improve accessibility, provide a designated handicap-accessible parking space, and make it easier for members and visitors to access our facilities year-round.

If you've been to the clubhouse in the winter, you've likely discovered that getting from your vehicle to the front door occasionally required the balance of a tightrope walker and the confidence of a bush pilot. The new paved parking areas and sidewalk will make access safer, easier, and more welcoming for everyone year-round.

This project was made possible largely through a very generous donation from a chapter supporter, and we are incredibly grateful for their investment in the future of Chapter 509. We would also like to thank the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport Commission for their partnership and support in helping make this expansion project a reality.

We're grateful to the members and supporters who helped make this project possible and look forward to seeing the finished result.

Ray Aviation Scholarship Update

This year marked the first time EAA Chapter 509 was able to offer the Ray Aviation Scholarship, and the response exceeded our expectations.

We received several outstanding applications and recently completed interviews with our finalists. The quality of applicants made the selection process challenging—in the best possible way. We have selected our preferred recipient and are currently awaiting final approval from the Ray Foundation before making an official announcement.

Building Opportunities Beyond One Scholarship

One thing became very clear throughout this process: there are more deserving young people than there are scholarship dollars available.

To help address that need, Chapter 509 is establishing a scholarship fund designed to create additional pathways into aviation. While our initial focus is supporting flight training opportunities, we are also exploring ways this fund may support other aviation-related educational opportunities in the future.

Our goal is to help reduce financial barriers and encourage the next generation of aviation enthusiasts and professionals.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to EAA Chapter 509 are tax deductible.

If you are interested in supporting the Chapter 509 Scholarship Fund, please contact Beth Meachen at treasurer@eaachapter509.com for additional information on how to contribute.

Pancakes, Planes & Smiles

Our May Pancake Breakfast and Young Eagles Rally at Chippewa Valley Regional Airport was a tremendous success.

Thanks to our volunteers, sponsors, pilots, and supporters, we:

🥞 Served 421 pancake breakfasts

✈️ Flew 61 Young Eagles

🙌 Had 39 EAA Chapter 509 volunteers, along with support from our Civil Air Patrol partners

A special thank you goes to Chippewa Valley Regional Airport and Ascension FBO for sponsoring the pancake breakfast and helping make the event possible.

Events like these showcase what Chapter 509 is all about—bringing people together, sharing our passion for aviation, and inspiring the next generation.

Upcoming Monthly Gatherings

All monthly gatherings begin with a Pre-Flight Social with food at 6:00 PM, followed by the presentation at 7:00 PM.

June 11

D-Day & the 82nd Airborne
Presented by Mary Berg

July 9

AirVenture Tips, Tricks & What to Expect

August 13

Boyceville Hot Air Ballooning
Hosted at Rosenbaum Field

September 10

Volk MOA & F-35 Ejection
Presented by Tyler Shaver

October 8

FAA Safety Seminar Presented by Jurg Grossenbacher

November 12

John Cesnik Part 2 & Annual Chili Cook-Off

Young Eagles Season Is in Full Swing

Know a young person between the ages of 8 and 17 who would love to experience flight? We have several opportunities coming up this summer.

Upcoming Rallies

June 13 | 8:00–11:00 AM – Boyceville – REGISTER

June 28 | 8:00–11:00 AM – Strum — In conjunction with the Pancake Breakfast – REGISTER

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

August 29 | 10:00 AM– 2:00 PM – 509 Clubhouse — In conjunction with Aviation Professionals Day

New Event: Flying Hamburger Social

We're excited to host our first Flying Hamburger Social on June 30 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Ascension Hangar at Chippewa Valley Regional Airport.

Whether you fly in or drive in, come enjoy good food, great company, and plenty of aviation conversation. It's a casual opportunity to connect with fellow aviation enthusiasts, meet new people, and spend an evening around airplanes.

We hope this becomes a fun summer tradition for our chapter and aviation community.

Flying Hamburger Social Volunteers Needed

We're looking for approximately 10 volunteers to help with our Flying Hamburger Social on June 30 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Volunteers will assist with event setup, food service, greeting guests, and cleanup. This is a great opportunity to help us launch what we hope becomes a fun annual event for the aviation community.

If you're available to lend a hand, please contact Jake Kuhn at 715-933-4117.

We're also looking for a few people willing to bring a side dish or dessert to share. SIGN UP HERE

Explorer Program Volunteers Needed

On July 9 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, we'll be partnering with Scouting America for an Explorer Program activity focused on building a wing rib.

We're looking for 3-5 volunteers to help teach and assist students during the program. No formal teaching experience required, just a willingness to share your knowledge and enthusiasm for aviation.

All volunteers will need to complete the quick online EAA youth training. Interested? Reach out to Jeff Meachen at 715-212-9468 by June 22.

Help Feed Our Monthly Gatherings

Our monthly gatherings continue to grow, and we're looking for members who would be willing to help with meals, side dishes, and desserts throughout the year.

Whether you'd like to prepare a main dish, bring a side, contribute a dessert, or help coordinate a meal, your support helps make our gatherings welcoming and enjoyable for everyone who attends.

If you're interested in helping, please contact Chris Salter at 715-577-3991.

Homemade, store bought, family recipe, or a favorite from your local bakery, we're grateful for any contribution.

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.

Our chapter's 3D printer continues to find new ways to support our youth programs.

One of our newest projects is creating custom Young Eagles keepsake chips that are given to youth after completing their flight. Similar to a challenge coin, these small mementos give kids something tangible to remember their first aviation experience.

They're simple, fun, and uniquely Chapter 509.

Sometimes it's the little things that leave the biggest impression. We're excited to give our Young Eagles something they can take home and remember for years to come.

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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