EAA Chapter 34

09/01/2026

EAA 34 September 2026 Skywriter -

EAA 34 Newsletter

08/29/2026

1945 Skyranger project at KGPM getting a final weight & balance using EAA Chapter 34 tool room scales. She will be flying very soon.

08/27/2026

We’re accepting donations for this must have toaster. Miniature ARFF truck included.

08/25/2026

Are you tail draggers setting yourselves up for a prop strike during a full power run-up?

Safely anchor your airplane for full-power testing.

08/23/2026

We had an awesome time celebrating our 8th Ray Scholar Aiden Loughran earning his pilots license, as well as Ethan Chitwood’s solo. In addition, our very own Connor Wagner was soloing while we were eating launch at our favorite place, B.J.’s Brewhouse. Thanks to all that came out to celebrate, and to all that helped these individuals achieve these milestones. If you missed it, stay tuned because we have a couple more members on the brink of achieving major milestones in their aviation adventures. We’ll want to celebrate these achievements as well.

08/20/2026

Welcoming Our Newest Pilot and Ray Aviation Scholar
The aviation community welcomes its newest pilot, Aidan Loughran, who recently earned his Private Pilot Certificate (PPL). Aidan is the Chapter’s eighth Ray Aviation Scholar.

Aidan began his aviation journey as a Young Eagle in Ms. McCorkle’s class. Since then, he has remained actively involved in Young Eagles rallies, helping with the setup of the simulator, helping with ground school, and participating in various Chapter activities.

Aidan credits the completion of this important milestone to the tremendous support he received from Chapter members, most especially David Clark, who helped him prepare extensively for his oral examination. He is also very grateful to Mr. Mike Galloway, Gold Seal CFI, who helped him complete his flight training, and to Mr. Mike Montefusco for his guidance and encouragement along the way.

A recent high school graduate, Aidan has been accepted to Harvard, Yale, Cornell, the University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, and the University of Texas. He plans to attend Yale University, where he will major in Economics and Global Affairs. He will also participate in the NROTC program as a member of the Bulldog Battalion.

Aidan dedicates this achievement to the memory of his grandfather, Mr. Charles Ainsworth, a U.S. Army Major who served in the Vietnam theater and passed away in May of this year. He also recognizes Mr. and Mrs. James Ray, whose generosity made this opportunity possible and helped him turn his dream of becoming a pilot into reality.

Congratulations, Aidan, on this remarkable achievement. We are proud of your accomplishment and grateful to everyone who supported you along the way. We wish you continued success in aviation, at Yale, and in your future service.

08/16/2026

Thinking outside the hardware stores $8 solution for a $0.10 cent problem.

08/16/2026

We were just talking about these huge B29 engines today. They had a severe cooling problem due to how the cylinders were configured and the back ones starved for air. However, they were the only aircraft capable of covering the require distance to bomb the Japanese mainland from the closes US bases in the Marianas Islands. Male pilots refused to fly them due to the overheating problem, so the Army Air Corp approached the women WASP pilots who volunteered to be trained how to manage this issue. They then taught the male pilots to manage the cooling issues better on their 3,000 mile 14 hr bombing missions from the Marianas Islands to Japan. The cooling problem was later mitigated by a better engine cowl design and the fact that General Curtis LeMay ordered the bombers to bomb from just 5,000 to 10,000 feet as opposed to 30,000 ft plus. Although this increased the chance to getting hit by flack, it also increased the chance of hitting the targets due to not having to drop bombs through the jet stream. It also prevented the bombers from having to stress these engines in a climb. This greatly reducing engine failures due to overheating.

08/14/2026

Current EAA 34 Members and friends. Take a look at your email boxes. We’re planning a celebration for our recent 2 PPL recipients and soloist for Sat, Aug 15th, noon. Please RSVP to that email if coming and with a head count. Details are in that email. Thanks

08/14/2026

Lookie, lookie, who just soloed on this hot Aug day in the year 2026. Congratulations to EAA 34 member Ethan Chitwood and his CFI Gavon Emmons flying with Falcon Flight Flying School at Grand Prairie Airport. It’ll be weeks before that smile wears off that face. :-)