Kids Take the Controls During “Young Eagles” Flight Program

Dozens of kids took off for some high-flying excitement on Saturday, October 22 at East Windsor’s Skylark Air Park, thanks to a special Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) program designed specifically for youths. Since 1992, the Young Eagles program has been providing kids, ages 8 to 17, with an opportunity to experience actual flight in a general aviation airplane. The flights are offered free of charge, thanks to the generosity of EAA members and volunteers.

According to Chapter Vice President Jack Hilditch, the goal of the youth program is to foster an interest in aviation. “Back in the day, kids used to hang out at airports. They’d watch the planes through the fence and offer to mow the lawns in exchange for a ride. These days, it’s difficult for kids to get into aviation” said Hilditch.

Over 1.6 million children in more than 90 countries have enjoyed flights since the inception of the program. These kids have been assisted by approximately 40,000 volunteer pilots. At Saturday’s Skylark event, there was no shortage of excited young participants, parents and gregarious volunteers. Planes of all colors and styles took off and landed in 15- to 20-minute intervals during the well-orchestrated event, which earned kids a log book and official Young Eagles certificate, signed by the pilot and event Chairman Harrison Ford.

For more information about the program, visit Skylark Air Park online or www.youngeagles.org. To participate in the next Young Eagles event, contact EAA Chapter 1310 at info@eaa1310.org or call Gary Sweetman at 860-250-5515.