Programs & Support
EAA Chapter 229 offers a variety of programs for aviation enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
Visual Flying Club
VMC Club — Visual Meteorological Conditions
The VMC Club is dedicated to helping visual flight rules (VFR) pilots sharpen their skills, enhance situational awareness, and make better in-flight decisions. Through monthly scenario-based meetings, pilots work through real-world VFR challenges, discuss accident case studies, and share lessons learned in a collaborative, low-pressure environment.
From student pilots to seasoned aviators, the VMC Club welcomes anyone who wants to become a safer, more confident pilot under visual conditions. No experience level is too low — curiosity and a desire to learn are all you need.
📅 Monthly Meetings — 3rd Saturday at 10:00 AM
Meetings are held at the chapter hangar. Open to all pilots and aviation enthusiasts — student pilots and non-pilots are welcome!
Instrument Flying Club
IMC Club — Instrument Meteorological Conditions
The IMC Club is a community of instrument-rated pilots and aspiring pilots dedicated to improving skills and sharing knowledge about flying in instrument meteorological conditions. Through monthly scenario-based discussions, members sharpen their decision-making abilities, review real-world case studies, and stay current on regulations and best practices.
Whether you’re an instrument student, a freshly minted instrument pilot, or a seasoned IFR flyer, the IMC Club provides a safe, non-judgmental environment to grow your proficiency and confidence in the clouds.
📅 Monthly Meetings — 3rd Saturday at 11:00 AM
Meetings are held at the chapter hangar. Open to all pilots and aviation enthusiasts — no instrument rating required to attend!
EAA Young Eagles Program
Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviators
Founded in 1992, the Young Eagles program is dedicated to giving youth ages 8–17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.
It’s the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation.
Today, the Young Eagles program has flown over 2 million kids.
EAA Eagle Flights Program
Eagle Flights — Free Rides for Adults
The EAA Eagle Flights program offers free introductory flights to adults who are curious about general aviation but have never had the opportunity to experience it firsthand. Modeled after the successful Young Eagles program, Eagle Flights connects volunteer EAA pilots with eager passengers for a life-changing flight experience.
Whether you’ve always dreamed of flying or simply want to see what it’s like up in the air, our volunteer pilots are ready to take you on an unforgettable adventure over the local area.
Member Support
Experienced volunteers ready to help you build, restore, and fly with confidence.
Member Support
Technical Counselors
EAA Technical Counselors are experienced airplane builders, restorers, and mechanics who volunteer their time to visit other EAA members who are in the process of building or restoring their own aircraft.
The goal of EAA’s Technical Counselors program is to help members present a “zero defect” aircraft at final inspection by the FAA. It’s aimed at providing experienced builders to help you make the right choices during construction.
If you are building or restoring, tap into this member benefit early in the project to save time, money, and aggravation! Get the peace of mind that can only be had from an experienced builder looking over your work to provide you with a best path forward.
Chapter Technical Counselor
Name: Mike Bauer
Location: Lake Wales, FL
Phone: 863-670-0385
Skills:
Electrical/Avionics
Sheet Metal — Driven Rivets
Welding, Wood
Member Support
Flight Advisors
EAA Flight Advisors can help you find the right path to get you flying efficiently and, most importantly, safely.
The Flight Advisors program is designed to increase sport aviation safety by developing a corps of volunteers who have demonstrated expertise in specific areas of flying and making them available to EAA members who may be preparing to fly an unfamiliar aircraft.
Flight Advisors can help you plan your first flight, and determine if additional training is needed. Often, members who access this program qualify for more complete insurance, like “first flight” coverage under the EAA Aircraft Insurance Plan.
EAA Youth Support
Ray Aviation Scholarship
The EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program that is funded by the Ray Foundation, managed by EAA, and administered through the EAA Chapters network. Through the generous support of the Ray Foundation, EAA provides up to $12,000 to deserving youths to help cover their flight training expenses, totaling $2,250,000 in annual scholarship funding.
EAA chapters apply for a scholarship, and if approved, the chapter then awards the scholarship to a youth or young adult to help them become a pilot. In addition to scholarship funding, the chapter also helps mentor the scholar and supports them on their path to becoming a licensed pilot.
Eligibility
Ages 16–19 pursuing a Private Pilot or Sport Pilot certificate | Ages 15–19 pursuing a Glider Pilot certificate