Free airplane rides for kids
Stockbridge student Chloe Miner, recipient of Mich. Department of Education’s Breaking Traditions 2019 Excellence Award, gained inspiration and support during her years of participating in EAA55.
Young Eagles Aviation Day will be held on Saturday, July 13 and August 10 (weather permitting) at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 55 hangar, Mason Jewett Airport; 643 Aviation Drive (Eden Road @ Kipp Road; South of the Ingham County Fairgrounds), Mason, MI. Registration will be from 10:00am until Noon each date.
Local pilots will be offering area youngsters ages 8 to 17 an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers and are offered FREE of charge.
Young Eagles Aviation Day is part of the National EAA Young Eagles Program created to interest young people in aviation. Launched in 1992, the program has dedicated more than 25 years to giving youth their first ride in an airplane for free. It is the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation.
As of today, volunteer EAA pilots have flown over 2 million young people worldwide. Local Chapter 55 pilots have provided nearly 4,700 free airplane rides to youngsters from the mid-Michigan area.
Flights will be on a first come, first served basis; approximately 20 minutes in length. A parent or guardian MUST be present or provide a signed permission slip. Advance reservations for large groups are encouraged.
Free airplane rides are just part of the experience. EAA hopes to build one-on-one relationships between pilots and young people, giving young people an opportunity to learn more about the possibilities that exist in the world of aviation. Pilots at the event will explain about their airplanes, how airplanes work, and how pilots ensure safety – which is the prime concern before every flight.
Following their flight, each youngster will receive a certificate making them an official Young Eagle.
For more information visit www.EAA55.org or www.youngeagles.org
