Published: September 24, 2008 12:04 pm         

Kids get a chance to fly Saturday

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles Program will give area kids, ages eight-17, a chance to soar over Gainesville during free, introductory airplane rides.

The rides will be given on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. til noon at the Gainesville Municipal Airport, located west of Gainesville off of Highway 82.

Sign-up will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Terminal building and each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to sign the necessary release forms for the minor to take flight.

The Young Eagles flights will be provided by the EAA Chapter of Sherman. According to the EAA official website (www.eaa.org/youngeagles/), the EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people an opportunity to fly in a general aviation airplane. Since it’s creation, over one million children have flown, some of which have grown to become professional and private pilots.

Norman Aston, an EAA pilot for over 25 years, said what he enjoys most about flying is how good it feels to be up in the air.

Through his work with the Young Eagles, Norman said he also enjoys sharing his passion with the kids.

“We’re trying to further the cause of EAA and to educate the children,” said Aston. “Most of them never get to fly, unless they get a free flight with us.”

David Vinton, director of the Gainesville Muncipal Airport, shared in Aston’s enthusiasm for the program.

“I’m whole heartidly for the Young Eagles program,” said Vinton. “It’s just a good way to expose children, young adults and the community to the world of aviation and the thrill of flight. It also gives the airport and community exposure to pilots around the area.”

To learn more about this event, please call Aston at (903) 868-1833 or visit the Young Eagles’s website at www.youngeagles.org.