EAA Chapter 1710 hosted its Shawano EAA Young Eagles Rally, an event that introduced 68 enthusiastic young participants to the world of aviation.
The Aug. 24 event was a makeup from the abbreviated fly-in and car show at the airport Aug. 16.
Pilots Austin Baldwin, Bill McNulty, Ed Jeziorny, Isaac Follett, Joe Schwister, Josh Goldman, Mathieu Labs, Michael Ryszkiewicz, Mike Bloedorn, Pat Morrow and Ron Fandler took turns giving flights from Shawano Municipal Airport to Legend Lake and back.
After their flights, every young aviator received a certificate, a personal logbook and an AeroEducate handbook filled with resources to help launch their aviation journey.
Through the Young Eagles program, participants also gain access to opportunities, including a free EAA student membership, free access to Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course (an online ground school), a free flight lesson and coverage for the FAA Knowledge Exam, an educational package worth more than $600.
Labs, the Young Eagles coordinator and pilot, shared his enthusiasm.
“Watching these future aviators from preflight to landing brought smiles to their families’ faces,” he said. “The kids were thrilled to take the controls, and that’s exactly why we fly them: an experience they’ll carry for a lifetime.”
Ryszkiewicz flew his 25th Young Eagle, while Goldman and Morrow flew their first Young Eagles.
Young Eagles flights are available year-round for youths 8-17. To learn more or schedule a flight, contact EAA Chapter 1710 at eaachapter1710@gmail.com or visit https://events.eaachapters.org.
