Ground Floor – Our new Chapter Building fundraisers are in full swing. For a donation of $25 or more, you can choose one of several styles of hats. Click here for a printable version (PDF) of our fundraising flyer.
Warren Clobes Finishes and Flies His Super Sport Trainer
Warren Clobes finished and flew his 150hp Super Sport Trainer on May 28th.
Sue Knight
Sue Knight, one of the original members of Chapter 431 and long active in EAA and MAAC activities, passed away March 25, 2009 at age 54. Obituary is here.
2009 Ski Fly-In Pictures
Ski-Fly-in pictures courtesy of Nancy Mueller, Cuba City, Wis., from EAA Tri-State Chapter 327, Dubuque Iowa.
Ryan Strommen
Chapter member Ryan Strommen, 19, died unexpectedly on Monday, October 13, 2008. He was the Chapter Young Eagles Coordinator and very active at Fly-ins. Ryan was training to get his Airframe and Powerplant license from Blackhawk Technical College and also his Private Pilot Certificate. His obituary is HERE.
Harold “Buzz” Frank
Chapter member and current Secretary, Harold “Buzz” Frank passed away on Sunday, October 5th. An obituary is HERE.
Buzz was believed to be one of the first pilots in Wisconsin to receive the Sport Pilot certification several years ago and flew his Champ regularly.
Buzz on the day he received his Sport Pilot Certificate.
Buzz piloting the Champ during
the 2005 ski fly-in.
Founding Member Francis “Sandy” Saunders Passes
One of EAA Chapter 431’s founding members, Francis Saunders, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 after a long illness.
Sandy was one of the few who kept Brodhead Airport running after WWII and before Chapter 431 was organized in 1973. He was a founding chapter member and served in many roles throughout the years, including as unofficial social director and general ambassador during our many public events. Although he never was a pilot, he helped build several airplanes, including a Pietenpol Aircamper that won a Wright Brothers Award.
Click HERE Sandy’s obituary.
Chapter 431 Remembers Longtime EAA Member Denny Trone
Early EAA pioneer Dennis Trone, of Petersburg, Illinois, flew west unexpectedly on Monday afternoon, May 5th, 2008. He was 77.
Although well known as a riverboat pilot and ship designer, he spent much of his time at Brodhead Airport with one of his passions – antique airplanes.
The Brodhead Airport family knew him as an aviation historian of the 1910s, 20s, and 30s era. He restored rare antique airplanes, many of which were one-of-a kind. Many of his restorations won awards and all were beautiful as well as historically and technically accurate.
A pilot nearly all his life, he was experienced in many types of aircraft and well known in the antique airplane community.
Denny entertained many with his music and storytelling during his days and nights on the river and he carried that talent to the antique airplane fly-ins and hangar talk. The life of Dennis Trone would make a rich biography. He will be missed.
Lincoln Sport biplane. Photo by Walter Bowe
Denny with a Curtis Robin.
Photo by Walter Bowe
Denny sitting in Walt and Carline Bowe’s Eagle Rock. Photo by Walter Bowe
Denny’s Thunderbird, which won grand Champion Antique at Blakesburg in 2007
Denny and Carline Bowe with his Command Aire with Hisso engine. Photo by Walter Bowe
Denny’s Polson Racer was to fly later the week of May 5th.
Lamb Family Donates Brodhead Airport Sign
The Lamb family members from near and far attended for the dedication of the new Brodhead Airport sign in remembrance of John and Gene Lamb. Many of the Lamb boys soloed at Brodhead and the airport has always been a special place for them. Following the meeting, Mrs. Lamb performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Thank You to Mrs. Lamb, the entire Lamb Family, the sponsors, and Chapter members that made this project possible.
Dennis Hall’s C-65 Pietenpol Aircamper
Dennis Hall’s re-engined C-65 Pietenpol Aircamper was flown on August 14, 2007, first by Ted Davis, then by Dennis. Pictures by Jim Weeden.
