After a successful turnout at Lake County Executive Airport earlier this month, local aviation group Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 5 is preparing to host a second youth flying event and pancake breakfast at Geauga County Airport June 21.
After a successful turnout at Lake County Executive Airport earlier this month, local aviation group Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 5 is preparing to host a second youth flying event and pancake breakfast at Geauga County Airport June 21.
The event, from 7:30-11:30 a.m., is part of the national Young Eagles program, a program created by the U.S. Experimental Aircraft Association designed to give children between the ages of 8 and 17 an opportunity to experience flight in a general aviation airplane while educating them about aviation, EAA said on its website.
“Local pilots volunteer their aircraft, time and fuel to provide a flight experience,” said chapter member Patty Fulop. “It is designed to give kids a first flight experience to foster future interest in aviation.”
Flights are conducted according to federal regulations and no aerobatic maneuvers will be performed. Young Eagles pilots have completed youth protection training and are certificated with the Federal Aviation Administration or Transport Canada, the event page said, adding the program prioritizes the safety of everyone involved.
“Safety is always a top priority when it comes to aviation,” EAA said. “Listen and follow instructions given by that pilot, stay away from the propellers and stay with the pilot or ground crew at all times.”
Young Eagles will spend about 15 to 20 minutes in the air and a parent permission form is required, the organization added.
The event’s advertisements also showcase displays and demonstrations slated for the event, including a medical helicopter, gliders and a homebuilt aircraft.
Lee Ensman, of Mentor, in attendance with her family at the Lake County June 7 event, had nothing but the best to say.
“It’s really fun to go there as a family. I have two boys and their eyes light up. It really helps little kids to learn about flight from a young age,” Ensman said. “The breakfast is delicious and you get to see all the airplanes taking off. My kids just love it.”
Families can register for the June 21 event, at 15421 Old State Road in Middlefield, by visiting https://eaachapters.org/event-details/PB1068WQP.
The breakfast will include pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage or bacon, coffee and soft drinks.
“The syrup is real maple syrup, the eggs are farm fresh and the pancakes are made from scratch,” Fulop said, adding breakfast is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children under 3.
EAA Chapter 5 is a nonprofit organization that supports aviation outreach, Fulop said, adding other programs offered including a summer aviation camp, school field trips, school career days, and build and fly programs.
“The residents of Geauga County really benefit from their local asset, Geauga County Airport,” she said.
