Duane Huff’s first airplane flight was in a Ford Tri-Motor at age 8. As a teenager, he flew in several aircraft including a Piper Cub, Aeronca Champ, BT-13 and the Aeronca Chief.

In 1950, Duane married Montess. Their future was spent pursuing music and aviation. They moved to GA in 1954 and in 1958, Duane started teaching General Science 6^th - 8^th Grade. He developed a Choral Program at Bethesda School which continued for 6.5 yrs. Duane was asked to develop an Elementary Music Program for 18 schools which lasted 7 yrs.

He directed the Band & Chorus program for 2 years at Berkmar HS and conducted the choral curriculum for 15 yrs. He has been the Minister of Music for 5 churches.

Duane resumed flying lessons in 1966 at the Gwinnett Airport. In 1967 he soloed in his Aeronca Chief and received his Private Pilot’s License on 9/12/70.

In 1984, he became a member of Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 690, at Briscoe Field, Lawrenceville, GA. He was President of the chapter for two terms and VP for one term. During his years as a teacher, Duane conducted tours of the airport, and offered presentations of his aircraft. In 1988, Duane retired from teaching. Currently he serves as a Mentor in EAA 690’s Youth Build Program

Between ’89–’95, he totally rebuilt his Aeronca Chief and in 1992, EAA instituted their Young Eagle Rally Program (YERP) to introduce youth to aviation by offering them free flights. Duane became the YERP Coordinator for EAA 690 in 1994. He still holds that position. Hundreds of Scouts, Sea Cadets, and youth have created dreams with the YERP.

In March 1994, Duane chaired a committee from EAA 690 for a Young Eagle Rally that flew 635 Young Eagles, in one day. He still maintains the Coordinator position, having personally flown over 800 Young Eagles, as of 2018.

The EAA developed the Eagle Flight Program for older individuals. Duane was pleased to fly the first participant since its inception. He still serves intermittently on the BOD and BOT.

In 2000, Duane became Gwinnett County’s Airport Representative for those wanting to visit the airport. He has conducted site tours for over 7000 + children and over 2000 adults.

Since Duane became a Chapter member, he has served as president for two-2 year terms and vice president for one-2 year term.

He serves on BOT and BOD for 690. He assists as Mentor in the Youth Build Program that the chapter has initiated in the last 6 years.

STATS & AWARDS:

• An AOPA Member since 1980.
• Member of EAA & EAA Chapter 690 since 1984.
• Member of Vintage Aircraft Association since 1991.
• In 1995 and 1997, EAA Judges presented The Outstanding Aeronca Chief Award at Oshkosh Fly-Ins.
• In 1996, he received Classic Grand Champion at Sun n Fun, and at the Southeast Regional Fly-In in 2002.
• In 2003 he was awarded the EAA Major Achievement Award at Air Venture, Oshkosh for Outstanding Service to EAA and Recreational Aviation.
• In 2007, Duane was recipient of the EAA International Award for Young Eagle Chapter Coordinator of the Year.