By Dave Elliott, airport manager
This month, we highlight some of the special interest organizations at Meadow Lake.
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) – Bruce McCombs Chapter 72
EAA Chapter 72 was formed in the early 1960s by a small group of enthusiasts interested in homebuilding small aircraft. With the expansion of the Colorado Springs Airport in the mid-1960s, the group coordinated with the Conover family, who were developing Meadow Lake Estates, to create an additional section below Judge Orr Road as a general aviation airport that became Meadow Lake Airport. Interest in building personal aircraft has grown over the years, and currently, about 25% of the 479 based aircraft at Meadow Lake are classified as experimental. Certified aircraft are those built by FAA-approved corporations. Website: (https://www.EAA72.org ]
High Flights Soaring Club
Soaring has long been a part of the Colorado Springs aviation community, with sailplane operations at Alexander Aircraft Company (Nichols Field), the Air Force Academy and the world-renowned Black Forest Gliderport. As the latter closed in the 1980s, the High Flights Soaring Club grew at Meadow Lake. The turf runway at Meadow Lake was commissioned in 2012 at the southwest corner of the airport and is home to HFSC, SEF, and Falcon AeroLab glider operations. Website: (https://highflights.com)
Soaring Eagle Foundation
The Soaring Eagle Foundation began with a simple yet powerful mission: to lift wounded veterans out of isolation and toward recovery by providing the solace and strength of flight. What started as therapeutic flights to support physical rehabilitation, emotional healing and renewed camaraderie among service members has always emphasized community — connecting veterans with volunteer pilots, aviation professionals, and one another to rebuild confidence and purpose. Through carefully guided sorties and peer mentorship, Soaring Eagles transformed the cockpit into a space for resilience, storytelling and renewed belonging.
Building on that legacy, Soaring Eagle is now investing in the next generation of aviators by expanding its programming to include youth flight experiences. In partnership with ADS20, the organization integrates hands-on flying into an aviation pathway curriculum, offering students classroom learning paired with real flight time to spark interest in STEM careers and aviation professions. By pairing experienced pilots with students, the Soaring Eagle Foundation aims to cultivate technical skills, leadership, and a lifelong passion for flight — ensuring the spirit of service and community that founded the group continues to shape future pilots. Website: (https://soaringeaglefoundationusa.org)
Falcon AeroLab
Falcon AeroLab continues to serve hundreds of El Paso County students and beyond at Meadow Lake Airport. Our 18 Intro to Flight Training — Glider students plan to solo within the next two months, most of whom are 14 years old. They are building two RV-12 kit airplanes, and the first one should be ready to fly or sell later this summer. Dozens of students participate in the Intro to Aviation Mechanics class, working on airframe and power plant basics. Additionally, flight rallies are held for AeroLab students and students from other schools. Falcon AeroLab continues to grow its aviation STEM program for youth. Website: (https://www.falconaerolab.org)
AeroLab considers it a privilege to have so many students learning about aviation at Meadow Lake. One of our former students will graduate from Kansas State University with an Airfield Management degree this May and has volunteered to be an intern airfield manager at Meadow Lake this summer.Meadow Lake is also home to Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron 190, Scout Troop 149, Pikes Peak Powered Paragliders and the Front Range Paramotor. We are committed to remaining a community friendly, grassroots general aviation airport. Additional information about Meadow Lake’s economic impact on the community can be found at: (https://www.coloradoaviationsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FLY_Meadow-Lake-1.pdf)
