Don’t Touch & Go, Land into Our Community Organizations: A Six-Part Series!

Interested in getting more involved in Williamsburg Jamestown Airport (JGG) but don’t know where to start? We’ll help you with this introductory article!?

Starting with the local international organizations that are active: there’s the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), and the Ninety-Nines (99’s). The EAA is the broadest organization, encompassing just about every aspect of aviation. If you’re interested in aircraft and want to be involved in the aviation community, the EAA is a great ticket in!? They also have local chapters that community members can join. The Williamsburg Chapter, EAA-156, is led by Chuck Curtis and includes programs such as the Young Eagles and Eagle Flights (both offering free flights for youth!). They meet every third Tuesday at 7:30 pm in our very own conference room upstairs, and can also be found supporting our monthly breakfast fly-in.

Following the EAA, the women of aviation take charge in the 99s. Founded in 1929, the 99s has grown to encompass a whopping 44 countries and over 7,000 members! Their chapters host various events to help female aviators hone their skills and build a supportive community that empowers women. The local Hampton Roads Chapter encompasses South Eastern Virginia (including Newport News, Williamsburg, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach). Happen to be a man, but still want to be included? The Friends of the 99s is a separate nonprofit for anyone who wishes to support the 99s!?

All that buzz around the EAA and 99s brings us to WASP. Standing for the Williamsburg Aviation Scholarship Program, WASP awards an $11,000 scholarship to several high school juniors and seniors each year to earn their private pilot certificate– the newest Class of 2024 has 12 students! Started and headquartered in Williamsburg, WASP is an entirely donation-funded program that provides students with high-quality personal instruction, funding, and mentorship throughout their 12-month program.

Here at JGG, we also host the incredible Tidewater Drone Club. With 1 p.m. meetings every first Sunday of the month at JGG, they foster an all-inclusive environment and encourage anyone interested in drone aviation to join! Their sessions include networking events, show-n-tells, and short educational presentations. Club members fly various drones, including but not limited to - RC/fixed Wings, FPV (race/freestyle), multi-rotor, and photo drones.??

Whether you plan to become a pilot or just want to dip a toe into flying, the Williamsburg Flight Center (WFC) has something for you. Located at JGG, they provide beautiful air tours and instruction for all single-engine flight training certificates & ratings. In addition, WFC is a full-service maintenance facility that provides top-tier services while maintaining safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.?

Last but never least, Charly’s Airport Restaurant is located right in JGG’s terminal building. Charly’s makes mouth-watering sandwiches with their baked-fresh-daily breads, soups, and pies while providing a unique experience for every customer. Given its location, guests get lunch with a fantastic view of the runway and aircraft activity, plus direct access to the children’s playground!?

Stay tuned for our future posts focusing on each individual organizations’ activities with interviews here at JGG!?

We encourage you to explore engaging with any or all of these organizations. If we can answer any questions or make any connections, please comment down below! #flyjgg #generalaviation?