Blend a huge cadre of individuals sharing the common interest of aviation – past, present, and future – with a unique camaraderie that binds folks together and you have the Experimental Aviation Association. Members are as diverse as astronauts, early aviation pioneers, pilots and non-pilots alike, youngsters following the interest of their parents, week-end sport aviation enthusiasts, aircraft homebuilders, and a multitude of others with simply the high interest in machines that mimic the actions of the feathered birds with which we share this globe. This varied group constitutes an organization that has spawned local chapters and interest with a world wide flavor.
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has as its roots over 900 Chapters through out the world that meet and share their experiences and interest in the joy of flight through fly-ins, safety seminars, aviation conferences, joint flight ventures, home-building tips, and general fellowship. Headquartered at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the National EAA hosts the premiere non-military air show of the world every year in mid-summer, a week long affair that draws nearly a million visitors and a cross section of aircraft from all points of the earth. Thousands of these aircraft are constructed by their owners from plans, kits, their own design, or restoration of older standard aircraft. Numerous other new innovations and a multitude of vendors are on display. An on site Air Adventure Museum and adjacent grass field, Pioneer Airport, makes Oshkosh a worthy visit at any time of the year.
Beginning as a small aircraft builders group in 1953, the Experimental Aircraft Association has grown beyond anyone’s imagination and now, seemingly, has something for everyone with its special interest groups, four unique aircraft divisions (Warbirds of America, International Aerobatic Club, Vintage Aircraft and Ultra-light), and varying services and benefits to its members. A first time visitor to the Oshkosh Airshow will be impressed with the pristine cleanliness of the outdoor event and the control of the crowd and multitude of aircraft. No debris and no smoking on the huge grounds is strictly enforced, an environment that is worthy of emulation by all. The founder of the EAA and long time President has been known to pick up a gum wrapper, discarded by a visiting Congressman whom he was escorting, and placing the litter in the proper disposal receptacle. The Congressman was unaware of the desire and commitment of EAA members to maintain a litter free environment around their proudly displayed aircraft and at their air show.
Locally, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 426 has existed since 1972, when it was established at Mexico Farms Airfield. The eleven charter members of this organization, who have since been honored as life members, are: William ‘Ed’ Pfister, Patrick Logsdon, Joe Derrico, Floyd Johnson, Martin Johnson, Clarence Myers, Nial Keys, Powell E. Robinson, Marvin D. Clem, Robert Robinson, and George Shaffer. This active group has grown to a present total membership of 120 and continues to operate out of the Mexico Farms location or currently from the Cumberland Regional Airport. EAA Chapter 426 members maintain the Mexico Farms field in fine fashion, graciously volunteering their time at the site where many have a based aircraft.
EAA Chapter 426 officers in the 1980’s were from left to right: Bob Growden – Vice President, Floyd Johnson – Secretary, Harry ‘Peanut’ White – President, and Ed Pfister – Treasurer.
The local Chapter is widely recognized for its monthly fly-in and drive-in Sunday morning breakfasts. These popular affairs were held at the Mexico Farms Airfield but are now held on the Cumberland Regional Airport. Annually, in the month of September, Chapter 426 hosts an airshow and fly-in that entices many visitors to fly aircraft from great distances as well as a large local crowd of interested folks. The wide variety of aircraft participating is always impressive.
Overhead view of a Sunday Fly-In at Mexico Farms
Currently serving as President of the local EAA Chapter 426 is Harry Dolly, with other officers being; Vice-President – Greg Teeter, Secretary – June Dolly, and Treasurer – Ed Pfister. EAA Chapter 426 has been responsible for sponsoring three youngsters, with a profound interest in aviation, to a week long encampment at the EAA Headquarters at Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Through a labor of love, EAA Chapter 426 donated the materials and several members their time and efforts in the building of a 1903 Wright Flyer replica which is displayed in the Cohongaronta Gallery in the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport terminal. The work involved in the research of this historically significant aircraft and the painstaking time involved in its forty percent scale construction was accomplished graciously in their free time. This effort is certainly indicative of the dedication and sincere interest of EAA Chapter 426 in the history of flight and the awareness of the importance of aviation to mankind.
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Wings Over Cumberland 