Lewis Alumni Feature: Elliott Eiden '18

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Growing up, Elliott’s father was a private pilot and aviation enthusiast. Sharing his passion with Elliott, they would build and fly remote control planes and go to airshows together. Elliott was exploring careers during high school, and learned about the Lewis University aviation program and was eager for the opportunity to pursue the dreams he had as a young boy.

 In 2018, Elliott graduated from Lewis with a double major in Aviation Maintenance Management and Aerospace Technology. He received a minor in Unmanned Aircraft Systems and has his Airframe and Powerplant license. He is also a private pilot. Elliott is currently employed as a mechanic for a private corporate jet. 

In 2020, an opportunity presented itself that would take his love of aviation to a new height. He and his father purchased a privately owned, public use turf airport, which was likely to close like others in the area. Their desire was to save Camp Lake Airport in Salem, Wisconsin and return it to a vibrant spot for events, camaraderie and learning.

 The airport has been in existence since the 1940’s.  It needed restoration from the ground up, which has proven to be a challenge. With Elliott’s drive, love of aviation and vision to create a close-knit community, that keeps the project going when he is not working. Camp Lake Airport is now home to many planes and ultralights. The feedback from the community has been very positive. Currently, there is a waiting list for hangar space, and he has received support for some of the renovations. Elliott hosted his first fly-in cook-out last summer and plans to have many more, adding additional recreation opportunities for the community. Elliott plans to offer students in local schools to visit and learn more about aviation.

 “Lewis University opened the doors to aviation for me in a big way,” says Elliott. “My teachers showed me all the amazing opportunities that would be awaiting me after graduation. I have my wonderful teachers and advisors to thank for helping me through school and working with me constantly, so that when I graduated, I could choose the path in aviation that was right for me.”

 Elliott gained a great amount of inspiration from his dad as a young boy. Combined with the constant support from his mom and his passion for planes, led him to pursue a calling and make a difference in both the aviation industry and his community. Elliott hopes that his hard work will inspire youth, just like his dad inspired him to find passion in aviation. He hopes they chase their dreams while making a difference in the world around them.

“My hope in restoring Camp Lake Airport is to keep a small turf airport open for public use. The airport is in a great spot in Kenosha County!”

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