Kids Can Get Free Airplane Rides
Children between 8 and 17 years old can join the Experimental Aircraft Association to get free airplane rides from 9 am to 1 pm Saturday, June 18, 2016, at the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport 44174 Airport Road in California.
The flights are free, safe, and flown by FAA licenses and experienced volunteer pilots, organizers said. Registration for the flights will start at 9 am, and rides will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis at the Capt. Walter F. Duke Terminal Building. Plans for the event are subject to the weather and availability of volunteer pilots.
The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 478, based in St. Mary’s County, is sponsoring the free flight program with support from the commissioners of St. Mary’s County, the St. Mary’s County Department of Public Works & Transportation, and the St. Mary’s County Airport Advisory Committee.
The purpose of the EAA Aviation Foundation’s Young Eagles program is to get young people excited and educated about the world of flight. The millionth flight was recorded by the Young Eagles on Dec. 17, 2003, which was also the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight. Today, this volunteer effort has reached more than 1.7 million young people in 90 countries, a great feat since it was first introduced in July 1992.
EAA is a diverse and growing organization that has members who represent a range of aviation interests and backgrounds. The group was originally founded 1953 by a group of people in Milwaukee, Wisc., who were interested in building their own airplanes. Visit the organization’s website for more information about it and Chapter 478, as well as the Young Eagles rally.
The biggest question on children’s minds might be about the actual flight. So what should they expect? First of all, the pilot will explain what will happen during the flight. This might include talking about the airplane; reviewing an aeronautical chart (or map); identifying reference points during the flight; completing a careful “walk around” preflight inspection of the airplane and identifying the parts that control the airplane. Once all onboard are ready to go flying, the pilot will help the child buckle his seat belt and describe the interior of the airplane, including the instrument panel. Pretty soon, it will be time to go flying. Once in the air, passengers will see the earth and sky in a new and exciting way. They will experience the wonderful freedom of flight that many people only dream about. Once back on the ground, there will be additional time to ask questions about the flight.
For more about the Lexington Park Business and Community Association, visit their Leader member page.
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