Young Eagles free flight rally Saturday

People ages 8-17 can take to the skies on Saturday, June 19, free of charge as Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Midwest Regional Representatives host a Young Eagles Flight Rally at Signature Flight Support at Chicago Executive Airport (formerly Palwaukee Airport) in suburban Wheeling.

The rally is part of the EAA Young Eagles Program, created to interest young people in aviation. Since the program was launched in 1992, 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."We hope to build one-to-one relationships between pilots and young people, giving a new generation a chance to learn more about the possibilities that exist in the world of aviation."

Pilots at the event will also explain about their airplanes, encouraging young people to discover how airplanes work and how pilots ensure safety before every flight.

Following the flight, each youngster will receive a certificate making him or her an official Young Eagle. Their name 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 also accessible on the Internet at youngeagles.org.

Other rally activities include ground school learning experiences in understanding weather, aerodynamics, radio communications, aircraft instruments and air traffic control.

Those interested in attending the rally are asked to call (847) 883-8388 and follow the menu to register for their flight. "Walk-ups" are welcome. Each child will need parents' or guardian's written permission on forms available at the rally. Flights will begin at 10 a.m. and will continue until every child is flown, weather permitting.

For information, go to ceaa.us/youngeagles.html.