Please arrive in time for 100 kids to get checked in by 10:00AM, so let's start about 9:00. We will then hold a briefing at 10:15 to explain the day's events and try to start the flying about 10:30. We try hard to fly until everyone present gets their flight, regardless of how many come. The flights are about 10-15 minutes; in the last few months we've flown 80-95 kids and finished between Noon and 1:30.
There's a nice shaded grassy area with picnic tables right where everything happens, adjacent to the aircraft loading area, taxiway, and runway, so you will be up close and personal yet quite safe. Perfect for birthday parties!
Our local chapter has done this on the 4th Saturday of every month, weather and holidays permitting, for 30 years. Because all the expense comes from the personal pockets of the pilots and because we're approaching our capacity limits we will very likely be forced either to cancel kids who have had several flights previously or put them at the end of the line--we want this for first timers. However, those who return are the ones who are really interested--so you see the dilemma we face. Our phrase for it is "the grins on the pilots' faces are just as big as those on the kids' faces!"
Note: If your are not the legal guardian of the child you are bringing, be sure to bring a paper copy of the liability release signed by the parent, found at the website when you register.
We also are having high school age kids build a real airplane every Saturday afternoon at our Chapter hangar, so if that is of interest be sure to ask for details about that as well.
Meet your Pilot
The pilots who participate in the Young Eagles program are local members of EAA who are volunteering their time and aircraft to make your flight possible. Each Young Eagles pilot is certificated with the Federal Aviation Administration or Transport Canada. Flights are conducted according to federal regulations and no aerobatic maneuvers will be performed.
What will my pre-flight be like?
First of all, your pilot will explain what you will see and do. This may include explaining how airplanes work, looking at an aeronautical chart (or map), and describing the interior of the airplane, including the instrument panel. Then comes the fun part: you get to go flying!
Safety Reminders
Safety is always top priority when it comes to aviation. Listen and follow instructions given by your pilot, stay away from the propellers, and stay with your pilot or ground crew at all times.
What will my flight be like?
You will spend about 15 to 20 minutes in the air and follow the basic steps in the flight pattern. You will experience the awesome feeling of flight that many people only dream about. Many people remember this experience for the rest of their lives. You will, too!