Group offers free local airplane rides to kids

Wheeling area young people ages 8-17 are invited to take to the skies free on Saturday, Jan. 22, as Experimental Aircraft Association Midwest Regional representatives host a Young Eagles Flight Rally at Signature Flight Support, located at 1100 S, Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, on Chicago Executive Airport (formerly Palwaukee).

The Young Eagles Program was created in 1992 by the EAA to introduce young people to the world of aviation. Since the program was launched, volunteer EAA pilots have flown more than 1.5 million young people residing in more than 90 countries.

“Free airplane rides are just part of the Flight Rally,” said Richard Steinbrecher, spokesman for the event. “Other activities include ground school learning experiences in understanding weather, aerodynamics, radio communications, aircraft instruments and air traffic control.”

Event pilots encourage young people to learn more about how airplanes work and explain how pilots work with air traffic specialists to ensure safety before and during every flight.

Following the flight, youngsters will receive their own flight log and a certificate confirming them as official Young Eagles. Their names will then be entered into the “World’s Largest Logbook,” which is on permanent display at the EAA Air Adventure Museum in Oshkosh, Wis. The Logbook is viewable at www.youngeagles.org.

Those interested in attending the flight rally are asked to call the Young Eagles hotline at (847) 484-7142 and follow the menu to register for their flight. “Walkups” the day of the rally are welcome and will be flown on an “as can” basis. Each child will require parents’ or guardian’s written permission on EAA forms (forms will be available at the rally). Flights will begin at 10 a.m. and will continue until every child is flown.

Additional information about the Chicago Executive Young Eagles program is available at www.ceaa.us/youngeagles.html. Access to EAA’s home page is available at www.eaa.org. The Young Eagles web page is www.youngeagles.org.

Since weather is always a program consideration, call the Young Eagles hotline, (847) 484-7142 on the day of the rally for a rally status.