Fly Like an Eagle! Young Eagles Flight Rally in Lakewood Brings Out Largest Crowd Ever

Posted on November 2, 2017 By

Twenty-five years ago (1992), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) created the Young Eagles Program to give youngsters their first free ride in an airplane and inspire them to become interested in aviation.  Since then, volunteer EAA pilots have flown millions of young people in more than 90 countries.

This October at the Lakewood Township airport, 1900 Cedarbridge Avenue, eight pilots donated their time and their airplanes to fly 93 boys and girls, ages 8-17, the largest turnout Chapter 315 has ever had, as part of the EAA Chapter 315’s Young Eagles Flight Rally & Aviation Day.

Frank Fine, Young Eagles coordinator for Chapter 315, said “The chapter appreciates everything Matt Applegate, fixed base operator of Lakewood Airport, and his staff did to support the event, by making the participating organizations feel welcome and helping make the event the success that it was.”

Because more young people were interested in going for a ride than were able to get in the air, plans are being made to give those young people an airplane ride at a later date. During the Rally, pilots explained what makes an airplane fly, what it takes to get a pilot’s license, and what career possibilities exist. They also demonstrated how pilots ensure that safety is the prime concern before every flight.

Following the flight, each young person received a logbook and a certificate making him or her an official Young Eagle. Their names were entered into the “World’s Largest Logbook,” which is on permanent display at the EAA Air Adventure Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The logbook is also accessible at www.youngeagles.org.

The New Jersey Aviation Education Council had displays and simulators in a hangar to promote flying as a hobby or as a career choice, and the Civil Air Patrol had a plane on display.

Visit www.eaa.org for a calendar of upcoming events.  The Young Eagles website is www.youngeagles.org or visit the local chapter at www.facebook.com/EAAChapter315. For more information contact Frank Fine (732-681-5286) or cell phone 848-469-0604.

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