Our annual Community Pancake Breakfast kicks off the summer flying season on Sunday, May 19 from 7:00 am to noon, with pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs and drinks. Kids 8-17 can take part in a Young Eagles ride.
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Longtime EAA Chapter 431 member and volunteer Ray Miller passed away at age 95 on Saturday, January 20th. His obituary is published HERE.
Many visitors to Brodhead Airport know Ray as the friendly face behind the famous pork chop roasts at the annual Pietenpol/Hatz and MAAC Grassroots fly-ins. Locals will remember Ray flying his homebuilt Volksplane VP-1 in the 1970s, and later, his 1946 Taylorcraft.
Ray’s VP-1 Volksplane in one of the original Brodhead Airport hangars, circa 1976.
Ray’s 1946 Taylorcraft.
Born in 1928, Ray was one of our area’s many hardworking “flying farmers.” After serving in the Army in the Korean War, Ray learned to fly as an adult while continuing to farm, raise a family, and actively contribute to the community. Ray loved to tell stories of flying in the early days, true midwestern adventures with friends and fellow pilots and other community members.
Ray was a very active member of EAA Chapter 431 starting in the mid-1970s . Ray enjoyed the annual events held at the airport, and was a big part of making visitors feel welcome every year. Ray and long-time pal Rudy Kopp started the now-famous annual Pork Chop dinner tradition at Brodhead’s Fly-Ins. Originally it was just the two of them, cooking hundreds of meals in the hot summers. Decades later, the tradition is still going strong.
Ray (at right) is in charge of the annual pork chop roast.
Ray never stopped loving our aviation community, and was a familiar face at every event for decades. In his honor, put a pork chop on the grill tonight! We’ll miss his cheerful attitude, friendly presence, never-tiring helpful hands, and the twinkle in his eye when he told stories of aviation. Our best wishes to his wonderful family in this time of loss. Blue skies, Ray!
EAA Chapter 431’s annual Groundhog Chili Ski Fly-In is Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Brodhead Airport. Our regular monthly chapter meeting is also Saturday at 9:00 a.m.
As always, fly in, drive in or walk in for a mid-winter break and join us for some winter flying. Chili and all the fixins’ will be available in the Chapter Building for a free-will donation.
With the recent winter weather, a good snow base should still be on the runways for ski-equipped aircraft. The fire pit will be roaring to keep everyone warm outside.
Chapter 431 has long hosted an annual skiplane fly-in in the middle of the long, cold Wisconsin winters to get local pilots out of their hibernation and join us for some homemade chili and hangar flying, and for those properly dressed, some chatting and commiseration around the fire pit. The event usually falls around Groundhog Day, so the name has sort of stuck.
Current C37 Weather
Our 9th year of producing the popular EAA Chapter 431/Brodhead Airport full-color calendar. Its a 12-month wall calendar with a main photo for each month, plus smaller fill-in photos to keep you entertained. The dates for all meetings, work days, and fly-ins are listed as well. ORDER HERE!
Save on shipping and pick one up at the Kelch Aviation Museum, Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., or at any Chapter 431 meeting or event.
All photos in the calendar were taken at or near Brodhead Airport in the past year. Special thanks to everyone who contributed and made possible this fundraiser for our chapter.
If you have questions about ordering or picking up, or if you want to order in bulk, please call 608-897-1175 or e-mail webmaster@eaa431.org.
$18 each plus $4.00 shipping (First Class Mail).
CALENDARS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE BEFORE DECEMBER 12, 2023
SEPTEMBER 7-10, 2023
The following information is provided by Cheeseland Chapter EAA 431 for attendees of the 2023 Midwest Antique Airplane Club “Grassroots” Fly-in. Information is subject to change. Information provided here is subject to updates and changes. —Last updated August 24, 2023
FLY-IN INFORMATION
Use only the active E-W runway 9/27. Other runways will be closed to landing and departing aircraft earlier in the week and reopening Sunday afternoon (check NOTAM for exact times). All landing and departing aircraft: 800’ AGL left-hand pattern. Radio equipped aircraft use UNICOM on 122.9 but be aware that many aircraft are NOT radio equipped. Keep your eyes open…see and avoid and be predictable!
Fly-bys should be conducted south of the active runway 9/27 employing the standard racetrack pattern with a minimum safe altitude. Example: When runway 9 is active, fly-by traffic will practice a right-hand pattern. When runway 27 is active, all fly-bys will employ left-hand racetrack pattern. Please No fly-bys or low flying along closed runways 3/21 or 15/33!
When done flying for the day, or in the case of bad weather, please ensure that your aircraft is tied down. Please provide your own tie-downs.
AIRCRAFT FUEL AVAILABILITY
100LL and ethanol-free auto fuel (MOGAS) is available at Brodhead; cash, check or credit card accepted. Times of operation will be posted at the pumps and in the pavilion. Self-serve fuel is available 24/7 at Monroe Municipal Airport, 10 nm west (KEFT).
AIRCRAFT CAMPING
Preferred aircraft camping areas are depicted on the airport diagram. If camping on or near closed runways remember they will reopen Sunday afternoon. Runway closure time for early arrivals; Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m.
If you are camping with your aircraft along the west woods, please stay in the mowed areas only.
DRIVE-IN CAMPING
There are no camping fees at Brodhead Airport, but donations are always appreciated to help offset the cost of maintenance.
RVs please use the south entrance. Early arrivals should set-up in the south parking lot until the diagonal runways are closed to aircraft operations on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Signage will be in place to guide you to the south driveway. You may park/camp along the east edge of the field along Airport Road and in the southeast runway turnaround area once it is closed with the yellow X. Additional camping is available for smaller campers (no RVs) on the southwest side by accessing the south driveway and following the road through Hangar Alley. The southwest runway turnaround is also available for camping once closed. Please do not park or stop and leave your vehicle in Hangar Alley as this is a fire lane. Do not drive across runways to access aircraft camping areas along the west side of the field.
All runways will reopen Sunday at noon. Please plan your site accordingly.
For driving directions, use “N2439 Airport Road” in your GPS or mapping program.
AIRPORT RULES
- No campfires outside of the Fire Pit (see diagram above).
- Pets must be on a leash and must not be left unattended.
- Pets are not permitted in the food area.
- Motorized vehicles are not to be operated by minors.
- No parked vehicles or vehicle traffic to and from the west woods.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
- Thursday night: Spaghetti Dinner
- Friday morning: Hot breakfast
- Friday night: Traditional Wisconsin Fish Boil
- Saturday morning: Pancake breakfast
- Saturday night: Ray’s Famous Pork Chop Roast
- Sunday morning: Hot breakfast
The lunch window on the back side of the chapter building will be open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. offering sandwiches, hot dogs, sides and beverages. Cash only at the lunch window, please.
Drinks are available near the EAA lunch window, including cheap bottled water. In the event of very hot weather, we will make free bottled water available. The well water at Brodhead Airport has tested high for nitrates and is not suitable for infants or pregnant & nursing mothers.
There are fast-food and traditional restaurants in Brodhead (one mile north of the airport) and the Sand Burr Restaurant is about 1.5 miles southeast of the airport on County Hwy T. Rides are available for those on foot. Please ask at the registration table. Menus for local restaurants are posted on the bulletin board.
COURTESY VAN
EAA Chapter 431 has a 7-passenger Honda Odyssey van available on a first-come first-served basis.
AREA LODGING
There is no motel in Brodhead but there are a number of Bed & Breakfasts and other rentals. A complete listing is here:
www.eaa431.org/brodhead-area-lodging
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS & FAQs
There are showers and bathrooms available in the main chapter building both in back and in the main room. First come, first served. Please help to keep them clean.
- Porta-potties are scattered around the airport.
- There is free WiFi on the field, provided by Sonic Networks.
- There are cell phone and laptop charging stations in the pavilion.
- There are no electric or water connections for RVs.
- No campfires outside of the Fire Pit.
- Pets must be on a leash and must not be left unattended.
- Pets are not permitted in the food area.
- Motorized vehicles are not to be operated by minors.
- No parked vehicles or vehicle traffic to and from the west woods.
If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact us: webmaster@eaa431.org or call 608-897-1175.
ASTRONOMY NIGHT
Local astronomer Walter Trentadue will again be set up for night sky viewing on Saturday evening just south of the fire pit, weather permitting.
JULY 20-23, 2023
The following information is provided by Cheeseland Chapter EAA 431 for attendees of the 2023 Pietenpol/Hatz Fly-in. Information is subject to change. For information about specific club activities, please refer to the Pietenpol website. Information provided here is subject to updates and changes. —Last updated July 31, 2023
FLY-IN INFORMATION
Use only the active E-W runway 9/27. Other runways will be closed to landing and departing aircraft earlier in the week and reopening Sunday afternoon (check NOTAM for exact times). All landing and departing aircraft: 800’ AGL left-hand pattern. Radio equipped aircraft use UNICOM on 122.9 but be aware that many aircraft are NOT radio equipped. Keep your eyes open…see and avoid and be predictable!
Fly-bys should be conducted south of the active runway 9/27 employing the standard racetrack pattern with a minimum safe altitude. Example: When runway 9 is active, fly-by traffic will practice a right-hand pattern. When runway 27 is active, all fly-bys will employ left-hand racetrack pattern. Please No fly-bys or low flying along closed runways 3/21 or 15/33!
When done flying for the day, or in the case of bad weather, please ensure that your aircraft is tied down. Please provide your own tie-downs.
AIRCRAFT FUEL AVAILABILITY
100LL and ethanol-free auto fuel (MOGAS) is available at Brodhead; cash, check or credit card accepted. Times of operation will be posted at the pumps and in the pavilion. Self-serve fuel is available 24/7 at Monroe Municipal Airport, 10 nm west (KEFT).
AIRCRAFT CAMPING
Preferred aircraft camping areas are depicted on the airport diagram. If camping on or near closed runways remember they will reopen Sunday afternoon. Runway closures time for early arrivals; Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m.
If you are camping with your aircraft along the west woods, please stay in the mowed ares only.
DRIVE-IN CAMPING
There are no camping fees at Brodhead Airport, but donations are always appreciated to help offset the cost of maintenance.
RVs please use the south entrance. Early arrivals should set-up in the south parking lot until the diagonal runways are closed to aircraft operations on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Signage will be in place to guide you to the south driveway. You may park/camp along the east edge of the field along Airport Road and in the southeast runway turnaround area once it is closed with the yellow X. Additional camping is available for smaller campers (no RVs) on the southwest side by accessing the south driveway and following the road through Hangar Alley. The southwest runway turnaround is also available for camping once closed. Please do not park or stop and leave your vehicle in Hangar Alley as this is a fire lane. Do not drive across runways to access aircraft camping areas along the west side of the field.
All runways will reopen Sunday at noon. Please plan your site accordingly.
For driving directions, use “N2439 Airport Road” in your GPS or mapping program.
The nearest airport with commercial air carrier service is Dane County Regional Airport/Madison (KMSN) about 50 minutes north.
AIRPORT RULES
- No campfires outside of the Fire Pit (see diagram above).
- Pets must be on a leash and must not be left unattended.
- Pets are not permitted in the food area.
- Motorized vehicles are not to be operated by minors.
- No parked vehicles or vehicle traffic to and from the west woods.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
- Thursday night: Spaghetti dinner hosted by Kevin & Shelley
- Friday morning: Hot breakfast
- Friday night: Traditional Wisconsin Fish Boil
- Saturday morning: Pancake breakfast
- Saturday night: Ray’s Famous Pork Chop Roast
- Sunday morning: Continental breakfast
The lunch window on the back side of the chapter building will be open Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. offering sandwiches, hot dogs, sides and beverages. Cash only at the lunch window, please.
Drinks are available near the EAA lunch window in vending machines, including cheap bottled water. In the event of very hot weather, we will make free bottled water available. The well water at Brodhead Airport has tested high for nitrates and is not suitable for infants or pregnant & nursing mothers.
There are fast-food and traditional restaurants in Brodhead (one mile north of the airport) and the Sand Burr Restaurant is about 1.5 miles southeast of the airport on County Hwy T. Rides are available for those on foot. Please ask at the registration table. Menus for local restaurants are posted on the bulletin board.
COURTESY VAN
EAA Chapter 431 has a 7-passenger Honda Odyssey van available on a first-come first-served basis.
AREA LODGING
There is no motel in Brodhead but there are a number of Bed & Breakfasts and other rentals. A complete listing is here:
www.eaa431.org/brodhead-area-lodging
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS & FAQs
There are showers and bathrooms available in the main chapter building both in back and in the main room. First come, first served. Please help to keep them clean.
- Porta-potties are scattered around the airport.
- There is free WiFi on the field, provided by Sonic Networks.
- There are cell phone and laptop charging stations in the pavilion.
- There are no electric or water connections for RVs.
- No campfires outside of the Fire Pit.
- Pets must be on a leash and must not be left unattended.
- Pets are not permitted in the food area.
- Motorized vehicles are not to be operated by minors.
- No parked vehicles or vehicle traffic to and from the west woods.
EMERGENCIES
In the event of an emergency that requires police, fire or ambulance, cell phone users should avoid calling 911 and call Brodhead Police directly at 608-897-2112. Brodhead is at the edge of several 911 jurisdictions and cell phone calls can sometimes be picked up by towers in neighboring counties or even Illinois, resulting in a delayed response.
If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact us: webmaster@eaa431.org or call 608-897-1175.
ASTRONOMY NIGHT
Local astronomer Walter Trentadue will again be set up for night sky viewing on Saturday evening just south of the fire pit, weather permitting.
PIETENPOL FORUM SCHEDULE
A nice lineup of informational forums is scheduled for the Brodhead Pietenpol Reunion, taking place on Friday and Saturday, July 21-22 in the EAA Chapter 431 clubhouse. Here’s the schedule:
Friday, July 21
• 1:00 p.m. – Poly-Fiber Covering by Joel Timblin.
Saturday, July 22
• 10:00 a.m. – Air Camper Build by Peter Jhones. Peter has a video presentation on building his Air Camper from start to finish.
• 1:00 p.m. – Electronic Ignition for Ford Model A by Richard Roller
• 3:00 p.m. – Corvair Engines by William Wynne. Renown expert holds his annual question and answer session on all topics related to Corvair engines and general Pietenpol design and flight safety.
Times subject to change, but we expect this to be the final schedule.
Our annual Community Pancake Breakfast kicks off the summer flying season on Sunday, May 21 from 7:00 am to noon, with pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs and drinks. The UW MedFlight helicopter will make a visit, and kids 8-17 can take part in a Young Eagles ride.
EAA Chapter 431’s annual Groundhog Chili Ski Fly-In is Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Brodhead Airport. Our regular monthly chapter meeting is also Saturday at 9:00 a.m.
Photo by Elroy Hilbert
As always, fly in, drive in or walk in for a mid-winter break and join us for some winter flying. Chili and all the fixins’ will be available in the Chapter Building for a free-will donation.
There is a good snow base on the runways for ski-equipped aircraft. The fire pit will be roaring to keep everyone warm outside.
Chapter 431 has long hosted an annual skiplane fly-in in the middle of the long, cold Wisconsin winters to get local pilots out of their hibernation and join us for some homemade chili and hangar flying, and for those properly dressed, some chatting and commiseration around the fire pit. The event usually falls around Groundhog Day, so the name has sort of stuck.
Today we celebrate the 50th birthday of EAA “Cheeseland” Chapter 431 at Brodhead Airport. On January 17, 1973, the official charter from EAA headquarters in Milwaukee was issued to the 19 founding members of the chapter.
Richard Weeden was the first president, Bill Knight was vice president, and Vern Knezel was secretary/treasurer. Our chapter now has nearly 100 members and the airport has expanded to 60 hangars and nearly 100 airplanes.
The original EAA charter with the 19 original members listed. Of those, only Richard Weeden, Donald Wichelt, and Robyn Wichelt are still living, although we can’t find information on Ralph Klassy or Robert Paulik. Can any one help?
One of the earliest projects that the chapter members tackled was restoration on Bob Green’s Waco UPF-7.
Today, the airport hosts major fly-in events each year. Photo by John Machamer.
Our 8th year of producing the popular EAA Chapter 431/Brodhead Airport full-color calendar. Its a 12-month wall calendar with a main photo for each month, plus smaller fill-in photos to keep you entertained. The dates for all meetings, work days, and fly-ins are listed as well. ORDER HERE!
Save on shipping and pick one up at the Kelch Aviation Museum, Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., or at any Chapter 431 meeting or event.
All photos in the calendar were taken at or near Brodhead Airport in the past year. Special thanks to everyone who contributed.
If you have questions about ordering or picking up, or if you want to order in bulk, please call 608-897-1175 or e-mail webmaster@eaa431.org.
$18 each plus $4.00 shipping (First Class Mail).
CALENDARS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE BEFORE DECEMBER 5, 2022
