Youth experience first free airplane ride in Dover
The Delaware Aviation Museum and the Dover Aero Club held an Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles Flight at Dover Air Force Base Nov. 2.
The program has dedicated more than 25 years to giving youth ages 8-17 their first free ride in an airplane. Its sole mission is to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation.
More than 2 million young people have enjoyed a free introductory flight through the Young Eagles Program. These flights are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.
This is not just a free flight; it is a flight experience. On the ground, the volunteer pilot explains what will take place during flight. Then walk-arounds and preflight inspection take place. Before takeoff, the pilot explains the airplane, operation and safety as well as the instrument panel and more. Flights are in the air for 30 to 45 minutes and if the riders wish, the pilot may let them take the controls. Back on the ground, volunteers spend more time answering questions about the flight, the plane and the pilot.
As a Young Eagle, a participant will be provided with a log book and a personal code to activate a free EAA student membership and Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course.
The Delaware Aviation Museum and Dover Aero Club, in concert with Gleim Aviation, have established an aviation supplemental STEM Program at five area high schools. Organizers are proud to be designing and supporting Pathways to Aviation careers for local high school students.
For more information, contact Ron Covais, DAMF director, at 703-626-2247 or Linda Price, DAMF community outreach director, at 302-562-8201.
