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At EAA Chapters across the world, aircraft builders, pilots, and enthusiasts gather to exchange ideas and information that serves the entire aviation community. Anyone with an aviation interest can join the EAA.
Founded in Milwaukee in 1953, the Experimental Aircraft Association promotes the building of sport aircraft by individuals. In the modern day, the EAA supports all forms of recreational aviation, such as aerobatic, antique, and ultralight aircraft while still emphasizing its original mission of home-built airplanes. EAA's more than 300,000 members make up sites all over the world. Information is delivered through chapter newsletters, web updates, air shows, and many other programs.
Local
EAA 563 was chartered on June 7, 1976, with 43 original members. Today, there are roughly 70 members, with several varieties of aircraft under construction. Our hangar (#57) is at the south end of the Mt. Hawley Airport. The hangar is 55 x 60 feet, insulated and heated, and includes a general meeting area. Members may reserve hangar space to house their projects, whether under construction or simply awaiting permanent hangar housing elsewhere on the field. The chapter boasts several youth-programs, including some organized by EAA headquarters. Together, these form our core activities as an educational public charity. Feel free to join us at our next meeting.
The 2026 officers are J. J. Hoevelmann as President, Bob Pegg as Vice President, Mike Simmons as Treasurer, and Karl Kleimenhagen as Secretary.
The Flight Advisors are Marty Martin and Ron Wright.
The IMC Club coordinator is Dana McNeil, and the VMC Club coordinator is Karl Kleimenhagen, while the Young Eagles coordinator is Todd Moore.
The Technical Counselors are Bill Larson, Greg LePine, and Marty Martin. For help with aluminum airplane construction, see Morrie Caudill, Bill Larson, Greg LePine, or Terry Moushon. For help with fabric covering, contact Ron Wright, who has covered several projects, or reach out to Greg LePine, who has experience with Stewart Systems. Greg LePine has also built a wood-framed airplane.
To message any of these members, refer to the Membership Directory.
Member Resources
Chapter 563 members enjoy access to a fully equipped 55×60 ft heated hangar at Mt. Hawley Airport, complete with numerous shop tools such as an English wheel, band saw, drill press, TIG welder, and a large-capacity air system. Members may rent hangar space for projects under construction or aircraft awaiting a permanent spot on the field. The chapter library is available to all members and includes several hundred books on aviation history and construction — including the complete Bingelis set — courtesy of a generous donation from Bill Hounshell. Plans from VanGrunsven, Monnett, Bede, Davis, and others are also on hand for inspection, and many members who have built from other designs are happy to share their plans upon request. Members also have access to our Technical Counselors and Flight Advisors, exclusive discounts on EAA membership benefits, and eligibility for a gate card from the Peoria Airport Authority for direct field access. For further advice on specific topics, the EAA Forums are an excellent resource.
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