Take to the Skies during Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport’s Young Eagles Rally

Andie Schar took flight with Katie Lecy in Lecy’s 1949 Cessna 140 at 2015’s Young Eagles Rally. Photo by Len Villano.

Area youngsters, ages 8-17, will have a chance to take to the skies on May 21 as Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Warbirds Squadron hosts a Young Eagles Rally at the Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport.

The rally is part of the EAA Young Eagles Program, created to interest young people in aviation. Since the program was launched in 1992, Volunteer EAA pilots have flown more than 1.8 million young people who reside in more than 90 countries.

“Free airplane rides are just part of the Flight Rally,” said Tim Halbrook, spokesman for the event. “We hope to build one-to-one relationships between pilots and young people, giving a new generation a chance to learn more about the possibilities that exist in the world of aviation.”

Pilots at the event will also explain more about their airplanes, allowing young people to discover how airplanes work and how pilots ensure safety is the prime concern before every flight.

Following the flight, each young person will receive a certificate making them an official Young Eagle. Their name will then be entered into the “World’s Largest Logbook,” which is on permanent display at the EAA Air Adventure Museum in Oshkosh. Other activities scheduled for the Flight Rally include a catered lunch by Alexander’s Restaurant (free to young Eagles, their parents and military veterans).

Those attending the flight rally should come to the Ephraim-Gibraltar Airport starting at 9 am to register. Flights begin at 9 am, with registration closing at 3 pm. For more information visit eaa.org or youngeagles.org.