EAA Gives Kids a Hands-On Experience

by ANN Correspondent Mark Sletten

"I learned that riveting is fun!" So says 10-year-old Chase who'd just spent 15 minutes constructing a name tag from aluminum adorned with a set of KidVenture wings. Chase used the same kinds of hand tools used by EAA builders in home workshops across the country.

KidVenture is a way for kids to get more up close and personal with airplanes. "On the ramp and other areas of the grounds it's look but don't touch," according to EAA's KidVenture Chairman Dan Majka, "but here it's touch… please!"

At KidVenture kids of all ages can learn and apply skills to projects such as aluminum construction, woodworking, bonding and creative design. Van's Aircraft and Avery Tools partnered in providing kits and tools allowing kids to construct an actual wing flap from the same materials, and with the same tools, used to construct Van's line of kit built aircraft.

The completed wing flap is about the size of a three-ring binder. The kids' volunteer assistant helps the kids polish it up, then gives them a permanent marker and encourages them to ask the various celebrities on the grounds to sign it. Majka says, "We've had an overwhelming response from everyone with this program."

This is one of the few places kids can actually climb around inside a real aircraft. There are radio controlled aircraft performing every afternoon, and control line aircraft the kids can fly with help from volunteers. Aviation Supplies and Academics (ASA) supplied a flight simulator manned by members of the National Association of Flight Instructors in which the kids can log actual flight training time.

"After they're done we give them an FAA-legal log book they can use to continue their training... or for autographs," said Majka.

AirVenture can have a profound effect on kids, inspiring them to believe they can do great things. KidVenture tries to take it one step further. John Klatt is performing at AirVenture this year for the first time. He's flying a Staudacher representing the US Air National Guard. "My Dad brought me camping here at AirVenture 25 years ago and I've always wanted to perform here at the air show." Kids can meet him at KidVenture where he talks with them and gives away posters and autographs. "This is an opportunity for me to give back to the EAA. It's all about the kids; they're the future of aviation."

10-year-old Daniel spent a few moments operating a US Army robot by remote control. He drove it around the floor, out the door and under a truck in the parking lot before guiding it back to the display area. He told me he'd like to use it to "sneak up" on his brother, "I like to scare him!" Might we have a future psychological warfare specialist in the making?

This may not be the lesson EAA wants him to learn at KidVenture, but Daniel is clearly having the time of his life -- I think all the KidVenture organizers and volunteers will be satisfied with that!

FMI: www.airventure.org