The Smithville Experimental Aircraft Association hosting a Young Eagles rally Saturday to provide children with free introductory flights and exposure to aviation careers.
President Dewey Young said the chapter has conducted these rallies since 2003 at various regional locations.
“I got into aviation after I was past middle age and I always dreamed of flying as a kid and I wish I’d had the opportunity oh, mercy, 60 years ago that we’re giving kids today,” Young said. “It just gives young people that never ever even flew in an airplane the opportunity to fly in an airplane.”
Young said the program specifically targets children ages 8 to 17 because you must be at least 8 years old to see over the aircraft instrument panel. Participants receive a 20-minute flight, a certificate, and a logbook that provides access to free ground school training.
“The pilot actually allows them to take control of the airplane to guide it and that just thrills the kids,” Young said. “When they get out of that airplane, not a single one will not have a smile.”
Young said the initiative helps address a national pilot shortage caused by a wave of retirements during the COVID pandemic. The program introduces students to various paths, including military aviation, commercial airline roles, and technical positions like air traffic control or engine mechanics.
“The EAA headquarters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin is really pushing to get more children involved, to get the spirit of aviation into the system where they will want to go to college,” Young said. “It’s a great opportunity to get kids started, pique their interest and like me, I always just wanted to fly, just be able to fly.”
Young said he personally pursued sport aviation later in life because he was initially told he would not qualify for a commercial career without a college degree. He currently operates a gyroplane and an ultralight Quicksilver aircraft from his own private hangar and landing strip.
“As a poor kid growing up in the country, I never had that opportunity, so that’s why I am involved,” Young said. “I want to get kids that never have an opportunity to go in an airplane ride to just get the feel.”
