Experimental Aircraft Association flies local students

Fifty-eight local students recently had an aerial tour of the lakes. Pilots from the local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 702 and Alexandria Aviation donated their aircraft and fuel for this annual chapter event.

The students received a basic overview of how an airplane flies and the opportunity to touch and manipulate the controls. The event ended with a ride provided by a local EAA member, their tour guide and pilot.

The Young Eagles program of the EAA gives students a hands-on opportunity to learn about aviation and to experience a ride in an airplane.

Many of the participants had never before ridden in an airplane. The students approached the event with varying degrees of excitement, uncertainty and sometimes apprehension, but all left the airplane showing enthusiasm at the experience.

Since the inception of the Young Eagles program in 1992, more than 1.7 million students have participated in the U.S. and in more than 90 countries. The purpose is to provide a meaningful flight experience for young people, free of charge, in a general aviation aircraft. A student's exposure to aviation has often developed into an interest that has led many to careers in aviation and related industries.

For more information, visit www.youngeagles.org.

Tags: experimental aircraft association, life, aircraft, students, eaa, pilot, aviation