Getting a free ride in an airplane might sound like a dream come true for some. If that’s the case, your dream becomes reality this weekend.
Kids ages 8-17 will have the chance to take to the skies on Saturday, Sept. 24, as the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 29 will host a Young Eagles Flight Rally at Willard Airport in Savoy. The event will take place in conjunction with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Institute of Aviation at Parkland College.
The rally is part of the EAA Young Eagles program, which creates interest in flying among youth. Since the program was launched in 1992, volunteer EAA pilots have flown more than 1.7 million youngsters in more than 90 countries.
Those interested should arrive at Willard between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. to register for the free flight. Flights begin at 8 a.m. A parental consent form, which is available at the event, is required. The pancake breakfast ($10 for adults, $5 for 12 and under) concludes at noon. Proceeds will go toward scholarships for Institute of Aviation students.
Pilots at the event will provide information about their airplanes and the procedures that are following to ensure safety during flying. Following the flight, youngsters will receive a certificate making them an official Young Eagle. Their names will be entered into the “World’s Largest Logbook,” which is on display at the EAA Air Adventure Museum in Oshkosh, Wisc., and is also accessible at www.youngeagles.org.
In addition, the new Young Eagle will be given a logbook with an access code for a complete free online flight training course offered by Sporty’s Pilot Shop.
For more information, visit the EAA Chapter 29 website, the Young Eagles website and the Institute of Aviation website.