Black Cat Aviation EAA 1451

12/17/2025

December 17, 1903, 122 years ago, Orville and Wilbur Wright accomplished the first powered and controlled heavier-than-air flight, a pioneering moment that ignited the age of aviation.

We reflect on this historic achievement with gratitude and the shared purpose that continues to guide us today.

12/08/2025

Youth member Sam Morey getting a taste of the rotor life! Careful, it’s addicting.

10/09/2025

Looking forward to our new runway!

09/22/2025

Another great Young Eagles Rally on the books. With 4 pilots volunteering their time and aircraft, we flew 26 rides, 18 of which were first-timers. They now have access to a free EAA - The Spirit of Aviation youth membership and free online ground school.

Thanks for everyone's help!

Photo credit Alysen Tarrant

09/09/2025

06/02/2025

We had a great Young Eagles Rally on Saturday! Despite shutting it down around noon due to weather build up and turbulence, we flew around 25 rides. Thank you to our volunteer pilots and staff for making another safe and fun rally come together!

Photo credit: Alysen Tarrant

05/28/2025

Congratulations to Chris Caciagli on becoming a Certified Flight Instructor earlier this month! He has hit the ground running and skies soaring over the past couple of years, knocking out his Private, Instrument, Commercial, Ground and Flight Instructor written tests and practical check rides near flawlessly. Excellent work, Chris! This kind of dedication sets a fine example for our chapter members, young or... seasoned!

10/27/2024

Congratulations to Chris Caciagli who just passed his check ride exam on Thursday and is now a commercial pilot! Chris is a former local business owner that decided to upgrade his career and follow his dreams of becoming a pilot. We are so grateful to have Chris as a volunteer for the EAA and as our Young Eagles Coordinator.

"EAA chapter 1451 members are such a great group and they have lots of experience among them. It's great to be a part of it has definitely been a contributing factor in the success of my journey. The Cortez Municipal Airport staff and FBO are super helpful and the simulator is such a great resource.

I’m looking forward to the next steps in my journey: becoming a CFI, AGI, where I can continue to work and fly with the local aviation community. My instructors Mike Erwin, Matt Cox and Beorn Lager where a huge help and great inspiration. I'm looking forward to continuing to fly with them and all my EAA friends." -Chris Caciagli

10/24/2024

We hosted 18 passengers on Saturday for free flights! The weather allowed our pilots to fly 9 times and 16 of the passengers were young eagles!

10/22/2024

CORTEZ IN FOCUS

Cortez's rich aviation history continues to this day. In July, Black Cat Aviation EAA 1451, the Cortez chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association, held a Young Eagles Rally at the Cortez Airport. Cortez youth got the chance to fly with local pilots and experience firsthand the passion of southwest Colorado's aviators.

Jeremy Patton (right) was one of those pilots inspiring the next generation of local captains. Patton serves as the manager of the Cortez Municipal Airport and the president of Black Cat Aviation EAA 1451. Ryan Amstutz (left) was one of the rally's participants. "Getting to go flying and seeing everything is the best part of the event," Amstutz says.

Thank you to those like Patton and Black Cat Aviation for making Cortez such a vibrant and incredible place to live. 📸Aaron Lewis

08/03/2024

The weather is perfect for balloons this morning. They'll be heading from Parque de Vida towards the Cortez Airport.