By ANN ESCAMILLA, Staff Reporter.
If you could have any superpower what would it be? Well, for the Young Eagles the dream of flying is actually their reality.
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has given 1.9 million children between the ages of 8-17 the opportunity to fly in an airplane since the founding of the Young Eagles program in 1992.
Every second Saturday of the month (weather permitting) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Midland Barstow Airport the Young Eagles learn and experience what it’s like to fly a general aviation airplane. Instructors start off by giving information on the plane and explaining how they work and fly.
“Safety’s always first. If we can safely take the plane up the pilot can turn the controls over,” said participating pilot Jeff Galant from Midland.
This program is all about learning, especially hands-on learning. Young Eagles get hands-on flying experience depending on age and ability. There are two sets of controls: one for the pilot and one for the Young Eagle. It’s sort of like drivers training – but in the sky. .According to Galant “it’s up to the pilot” on how hands-on they want to be.
“We try to make it very hands-on,” said Galant who then went on to explain that older ages, “allow you to do more in depth rides.”
Not only do the Young Eagles get the joy of flying but also the chance to earn scholarships. Twice a year the program puts on a pancake breakfast where as many as 40 to 50 airplanes fly in to participate. The number of scholarships given out depends on the ability, needs and how many kids take part. Students use the scholarships “to advance in aviation training. Buy books, classes, rental time on airplanes and instructor time,” said Galant.
The Eagles don’t receive any certificates but they are supplied with coupons to gain credit for aviation and flying by Sporty’s Pilot Shop.
Galant said he does it to help the kids as it “gives them the first real exposure to aviation.”
You can learn more and sign up at eaa.org/eea/join-eaa/student