On Thursday, September 11, we had the pleasure of attending our first monthly meeting with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 65, based at Burlington Executive Airpark. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth and a shared passion for aviation that made the evening enjoyable.

Founded in 1959, EAA Chapter 65 has long been a cornerstone of grassroots aviation in the Golden Horseshoe region. Their commitment to mentorship, education, and hands-on learning continues to inspire both seasoned pilots and newcomers alike. Whether it’s build nights, flight experiences, or technical guidance, the chapter fosters a strong sense of community and supports the next generation of aviators through its scholarship programme.

Each month, members gather on the second Thursday for an evening of camaraderie, learning, and burgers fresh off the BBQ. This month’s meeting featured a particularly exciting guest speaker: John O’Neil, a former CF-18 fighter pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force and a past member of EAA Chapter 65.

John’s aviation journey began in 1985 with the Air Cadets, where he earned his private pilot licence. After graduating from Sault College’s aviation programme in 1990, he joined the RCAF and trained on the Tutor before being selected to fly the F-18 Hornet in 1993. Over the next 15 years, John served with several squadrons including 425 in Bagotville, QC, and took on roles ranging from flight instructor to air accident investigator. His career also included work on the Next Generation Fighter Replacement team and time as Maple Flag Exercise Director.

After retiring from the military in 2011, John continued flying across Canada’s Arctic with First Air and Summit Air. Since 2013, he’s been flying with Air Canada.

During his presentation, John offered a fascinating look into the life of a fighter pilot. He spoke about the rigours of RCAF training, the capabilities of the CF-18, and the day-to-day realities of squadron life. From mission planning to holding alert status, and from non-flying duties to the strong bonds formed among squadron members, his stories were both informative and heartfelt. He also brought along photos and videos that added a rich visual layer to the evening.

The Q&A session was lively, with attendees eager to learn more about military aviation and the path to becoming a pilot. John answered every question with clarity and enthusiasm, making the evening especially valuable for those considering a future in aviation.

We’re grateful to Joe Brunski, President of EAA Chapter 65, for the kind invitation and for introducing us to this vibrant aviation community. It was a pleasure to capture the spirit of the evening.

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