Cameron Park airport (O61) is home to one of the newest chapters in the Experimental Aircraft Association network.

Organizers held the first meeting of EAA Chapter 1726 on June 10, establishing committees and bylaws. About 100 people turned out for the launch that was held in a hangar in the residential community that shares taxiways with aircraft.

“We had a very good turnout today, and people are excited about it, and we look forward to running it,” board member Leon Shkolnik said.

Shkolnik said the chapter plans to pursue projects such as building an aircraft, presentations, and other community events. Grassroots organizations like Chapter 1726 are what inspired Shkolnik to pursue his pilot’s licence, he said.

“That’s how I started getting into aviation,” he said. “I was reading the EAA magazines and seeing people building airplanes at home, and my interest was sparked in aviation.”

The chapter meets at Starfall Hangar in Cameron Park every second Wednesday at 7 p.m.