EAA Chapter 274 of Decatur, Illinois

The Train-A-Pilot program has successfully helped 14 students obtain their Private Pilot Certificates. Please donate to help support the Train-A-Pilot program so that we may continue offering this program in these tough economic times.

The Loren Hodge Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Decatur Chapter 274, was founded in 1968 and is headquartered at the Decatur Municipal Airport in Decatur, a central Illinois chapter of the worldwide Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). It is named in honor of Loren Hodge, a pioneer aircraft mechanic and pilot who, in 1910 worked for the Wright Brothers.

This bustling chapter of one hundred plus membership, comprised of aviation enthusiasts from Decatur and surrounding areas, meets the third Tuesday of each month at their hangar at the Decatur Airport. It is from this setting that much of Chapter 274's activities originate. The chapter openly welcomes visitors.

Train-A-Pilot Scholarship Program

Chapter 274 has a successful operating scholarship program, Train-A-Pilot, designed to help young men and women earn their Private Pilot Certificates. The goal of this program, to sponsor and guide deserving young people to earn a private pilot license as a beginning step in their achievement in the field of aviation. It is the intention of Chapter 274 to eventually be joined in this venture by corporate sponsorship, which will ensure the continuing promotion of aviation and its opportunities to the youth of our country. The scholar pays for the medical exam and books, the Chapter pays the remainder of the expenses. Our first scholar passed his flight check ride and was licensed in November, 2000. If you would like to donate to this worthy endeavor, please contact us at :

Train-A-Pilot Foundation
Hangar 102A
Decatur Municipal Airport
Decatur, IL 62521