The idea of a local EAA Chapter did not start in Al Fowler's Sunday school class at First Baptist in Douglasville as rumored, but with four of the original charter members attending the class, you have to wonder a bit.

The idea came from Tom Horward after many trips to Sun & Fun and one particular trip to Oshkosh where he and Al Fowler landed at Manitowoc, Wisconsin and saw their local chapters building a hanger.

Tom came back, made the call to Oshkosh offices and was told to get started with at least ten names and it was a must to have the meetings and functions at an airport.

Now for the Sunday school class, there were four men: Tom Howard, Hal Coonley, Don Bowlick and teacher Al Fowler who kicked this idea around. Hal volunteered his hanger at West Georgia Airport since Douglas County did not have an airport.

Incorporation began in 1990 through attorney Joe Fowler, who is Al?s son.

In June 1991, the first meeting of 976 took place in Hal?s hanger and was appropriately presided over by Tom Howard, the Chapters first President.

To date there have been six airshows sponsored by 976 for the purpose of fundraising for our chapters combination hanger, meeting room, museum, and library. To date, there have been over 600 Young Eagles flights to promote education and encouragement of our youth in the field of aviation.

At the present, there are 61 members of Chapter 976.