Tue, Mar 21, 2017
Eight Youth Introduced To Aviation On Saturday
On Saturday March 18, 2017 members of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 534 flew 12 Young Eagles in private planes at the Leesburg International Airport at Leesburg, Florida.
The EAA Young Eagles program introduces young people ages 8 to 17 to the wonders of flight by giving them the opportunity to fly in small general aviation aircraft. For many, this is the first time they have ever flown. The purpose is to kindle an interest in aviation either as a hobby or a career. Many of them go on to become private pilots or go into aviation careers in later life. To date, on a national basis, EAA chapters across the U.S. have flown over 2 million kids.
The Leesburg, Florida Chapter 534 makes the Young Eagles program a primary activity for their membership. When not volunteering with Young Eagles many of the members are involved with aircraft building or flying their own planes. Currently there are 60 members of this chapter.
On Saturday they provided four fixed wing aircraft and four volunteer pilots. While they are in the air many of the kids actually get to fly the plane under the watchful eye of their EAA pilot. There is no charge for this event. The chapter members volunteer their time and airplanes. Some member volunteers are on the ground directing people to and from the planes while others are in the EAA hangar handling the paperwork.
Each Young Eagle receives a log book signed by their EAA pilot and a certificate suitable for framing attesting to their flight. They also receive an on line” Learn to fly course” that would help them prepare for their FAA written exam should they wish to proceed to become a private pilot. On top of that they are granted a one hour free flying lesson.
Chapter 534 flew eight brand new Young Eagles on Saturday, two young people from the local Civil Air Patrol and two members of the Chapter 534 Aviation Explorer Post.
(Images provided with EAA Chapter 534 news release. Photos by Ted Luebbers)
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