Aviation can be a deeply personal pursuit, but it has never been a solitary one.
Pilots learn from instructors.
Builders learn from other builders.
Students learn from experienced aviators.
Aircraft owners share knowledge.
Young people discover aviation because someone took the time to introduce them to it.
That sense of community is one of the biggest reasons to become involved with a local EAA chapter.
You Do Not Have to Own an Airplane
One of the biggest misconceptions about aviation organizations is that you need to own an aircraft.
You don’t.
People become involved with EAA for many reasons.
Some are pilots.
Some are builders.
Some are student pilots.
Some are aviation professionals.
Others simply love airplanes.
An interest in aviation is enough reason to get connected.
Learn From Experience
Aviation knowledge is accumulated over years.
Being part of a chapter gives members opportunities to learn from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experience.
A conversation may lead to helpful information about:
- Flight training
- Aircraft ownership
- Aircraft construction
- Maintenance
- Instrument flying
- Aviation careers
- Scholarships
- Pilot proficiency
- Safety
- Local flying
Sometimes the most valuable aviation lesson begins with a simple question.
Help the Next Generation
Chapter involvement also creates opportunities to give something back.
Experienced aviators can help introduce younger people to aviation through programs such as Young Eagles.
Builders can encourage people beginning their first projects.
Pilots can share experiences with newer aviators.
Mentorship keeps aviation knowledge moving from one generation to the next.
Stay Connected to Flying
Life sometimes gets in the way of aviation.
A pilot may fly less frequently.
A project may take longer than expected.
Someone interested in learning to fly may keep postponing the first lesson.
Being part of an active aviation community provides motivation to stay involved.
When the people around you are talking about airplanes, building airplanes, flying airplanes, and learning about aviation, it becomes much easier to remain connected.
Discover New Areas of Aviation
You may join because you want to learn to fly and later become interested in aircraft building.
You may begin as a builder and eventually pursue a pilot certificate.
You might discover instrument flying, flight simulation, aviation volunteering, mentoring, or another area you had never considered.
Aviation is a large world.
Local chapters help open the door to more of it.
Become Part of EAA Chapter 723
EAA Chapter 723 serves the aviation community in Camarillo, California, with programs and resources for aviation enthusiasts at many different stages of their journey.
Whether your aviation story started decades ago or has not started yet, there is always something new to discover.
Come meet the people.
Explore the programs.
Ask questions.
Get involved.
Because aviation becomes even more rewarding when you have a community to share it with.