by Jim Bildilli
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2023 Digital Issue
On August 30, 2023, EAA Chapter 770 of Springfield, Illinois, held its first “Wings & Wheels Expo” as a fundraising event to promote aviation education and sponsor flight training scholarships. This was the chapter’s first attempt at raising funds to help increase awareness of careers in aviation. Admission was free, but the sale of food items and donations made the event a success.
Over 100 cars and trucks and 25 aircraft participated in the midday event. One attendee flew his Cessna 172 from Waukesha, Wisconsin, the furthest distance anyone flew.
Chapter members grilled and served hamburgers and hot dogs, helped park cars, answered numerous questions about aircraft, and provided security for the event. In addition, there were representatives from Springfield’s Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron, Lincoln Land Community College’s A & P program, the Flying 20 aircraft club, and Southern Illinois University’s Aviation Management & Flight program, to answer questions and provide information. For the younger “wannabe” pilots, the Sangamon Valley RC Flyers model airplane club provided instruction on the chapter’s “Build and Fly” flight simulator.
As an extra feature, Springfield’s Combat Air Museum parked its P-51 Mustang “Worry Bird” in such a manner as to provide an excellent backdrop for pictures. Many of the auto enthusiasts and owners wanted photographs taken of their Ford Mustangs, and other antique and muscle cars, in front of the P-51 Mustang. As such, “Worry Bird” also contributed to the funds generated.
The event was so successful that preliminary planning for 2024 has already begun. Indications are that next year’s Wings & Wheels Expo will display additional vehicles and aircraft. The air museum has already hinted that there may be additional aircraft on display and/or available for photo sessions.
Be sure to mark October 5th on your 2024 calendar for Wings & Wheels Expo 2024. If you forget, you can always check the Midwest Flyer Magazine calendar. Hope to see you there!
