Young Eagles Orientation Flights Conducted Over The Weekend

EAA Chapter 534 Aviation Explorers got to fly in airplanes on Saturday January 21, 2017 at the Leesburg International Airport in Leesburg, Florida.

Chapter 534 of the Experimental Aircraft Association, the sponsor of the Aviation Explorer Post 534, provided two fixed wing aircraft and pilots to conduct Young Eagles orientation flights for them. They were also given more intense instruction on compass and situational awareness as well as the proper approach procedures to the airport prior to their flight. They then had a better understanding where they were while flying and how to return to the airport properly.  While in the air each had an opportunity to take control of the plane under the watchful eye of the EAA pilot.

This is the second year that EAA Chapter 534 has sponsored an Aviation Explorer Post and it has grown from 5 members a year ago to 8 members currently. Along with the support of the EAA chapter members, the post enjoys the strong support of the parents.

The chapter has been conducting a ground school course for the young people, and they periodically get to fly with the chapter’s pilots.  The majority of the young Explorers have indicated their long range desire to one day become licensed private pilots and chapter 534 is doing all they can to help them realize that dream.

(Images by Ted Luebbers provided with EAA Chapter 534 news release. Top: EAA Chapter 534 member John Viszaly and Aviation Explorer Post 534 member William Griffin are about to take off. Bottom: EAA Chapter 534 pilot Joel Hargis shows Aviation Explorers Rebekah Spradlin and Chris McDaniel how to check the plane’s fuel during the pre-flight)

FMI: www.534.eaachapter.org