This is where aviation lives in Rockford.
Since 1956, EAA Chapter 22 has been the heartbeat of aviation at Cottonwood Airport — bringing pilots, builders, families, and future aviators together to fly, learn, and belong.
Life at Cottonwood
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Why people come here
Fly
Grassroots. Local pilots and builders keeping real flying active through fly-ins, chapter nights, and volunteer effort.
Learn
Hands-on. Practical learning through projects, safety talks, and shared experience — not a flight school.
Belong
Community-run and accessible. Built by volunteers for newcomers and longtime pilots — not a museum, not an airport authority.
What we do
Young Eagles
Inspiring youth through introductory flights and aviation mentorship.
Learn more →Pilot Ground School
Accessible, community-driven learning for future and current pilots.
Learn more →Fly-ins & Events
Regular chapter meetups, hangar talks, and field-friendly social events.
View events →Community
Volunteerism, outreach, and aviation camaraderie across Cottonwood.
Our mission →