Greene County News report
XENIA — The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 382, based at Greene County Airport, will hold the first 2016 Young Eagles rally Saturday, June 25, at the newly re-surfaced airport.
Parents can sign their children ages 8-17 up for a no-cost chance to see the Miami Valley from the air and find out what it’s like to actually fly an airplane through the EAA Young Eagles program, which began in 1992 with the goal of introducing one million children to aviation by providing them with a free airplane ride by the 100th anniversary of powered flight.
Currently more than 1.97 million kids have received free Young Eagle rides in more than 90 countries. Local EAA Chapter 382 members have flown more than 2,000 Young Eagles.
The experience begins with registration at 8:15 and a short ground school, where the children (and their parents) are shown what makes an airplane fly, how pilots control the airplane, and what procedures are used to fly safely. After the ground school they meet their pilot, help conduct the pre-flight inspection, and go for a 20-30 minute tour over the Miami Valley. Each Young Eagle can take the controls under supervision of the pilot for part of the trip. Upon completion they receive a Young Eagle certificate, logbook, Young Eagle flight pin, and information about available flight scholarships. Parents will be escorted to the ramp to take photos during the pre-flight process.
EAA members donate their time and airplanes as there is no charge for any part of the Young Eagle program. EAA Chapter 382 will hold additional Young Eagle Rallies on Saturdays, July 16, Aug. 27, and Sept. 10. Flights are limited and parents can reserve a flight for their children one month in advance by calling Kay or Wayne Moyer at 937-426-9312.
More information about the Young Eagles Program can be found at www.youngeagles.org. Information about EAA 382 activities can be found at www.382.eaachapter.org.
