Event Details and Registration

How does an idea become a part you can hold in your hand? Join EAA Chapter 129 on October 17, 2026, for the kickoff of our Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Club. Ross Hohulin of Bulldog Machining will introduce 3D CAD modeling and show how digital designs support 3D printing, laser and waterjet cutting, sheet metal forming, and machining.

Explore practical applications for aircraft builders and maintainers, including a chapter member’s use of 3D-printed landing gear fitting jigs. We’ll also discuss parts and materials considerations for maintaining Part 23 airplanes, with references to FAA Advisory Circulars AC 23-27, AC 20-62, and AC 43-18.

Pilots, enthusiasts, mechanics, and builders are welcome. Bring your questions and share your experience! FAASTeam AMT credits will be offered for attendance.

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Whether driving or flying, park at Synergy Flight Center (FBO) and proceed to Hangar F15 which is located at the north end of the parking lot. It is the last hangar on the first row of T-hangars.

There’s always something happening at EAA Chapter 129! Alongside our IMC and VMC Clubs, we’re excited to introduce our Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Club, meeting on the third Saturday of each month. Whether you’re a pilot, aviation enthusiast, mechanic, or airplane builder, it’s another opportunity to learn, share ideas, and enjoy the camaraderie of our aviation community.

How does an idea for a part become something you can hold in your hand? At our October 17^th, 2026 EAA Chapter 129 AMT (Aviation Maintenance Technician) Club meeting, Ross Hohulin of Bulldog Machining will show us where that process begins: CAD.

Ross will introduce the basics of creating a 3D CAD model and turning that digital design into a real part. We’ll look at how CAD files can be used for 3D printing, laser and waterjet cutting, sheet metal forming, and machining.

For airplane builders and maintainers, these tools can open up practical ways to design and make the parts a project needs. Join us for a look at how to get started.

3D printing—or additive manufacturing (AM)—is transforming the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) ecosystem for 14 CFR Part 23 aircraft (general aviation, small piston airplanes, and light business jets). Because general aviation fleets often consist of vintage, legacy, or out-of-production models, operators face significant supply chain bottlenecks. Several FAA Advisory Circulars, (AC 23-27, AC 20-62, AC43-18….) that assist aircraft maintenance personnel in either manufacturing or substituting parts and materials when maintaining aircraft.

Want a perfect example from where a little CAD work and some 3D printing saved the day?  Excerpt taken from the EAA Chapter 129 October FlyPaper:    “Fast forward to last week and I find that after spending several hours trying to plan a jig to fit the landing gear attach fittings to the airframe of the cubby, the light finally came on. Why not 3D model a jig and ask Roger to print them for me. The jig is referenced to the center of the bottom longeron to with in a few thousandths of an inch. I know I could not have achieved that accuracy by welding up a jig. Not in the time it took to model and then print four fitting jigs. These jigs alone have payed me back for the hours I have spent learning CAD well enough to model them.”

We’re excited to add the AMT Club to the monthly activities at EAA Chapter 129 in Bloomington, Illinois. With IMC, VMC, and now AMT, there are even more opportunities for pilots, enthusiasts, mechanics, and builders to get involved. FAASTeam AMT credits will be offered for attendance. Join us on the third Saturday of each month—bring your questions, share your experience, and help us build another great chapter tradition!