EAA Aviation Center, Oshkosh, Wis. – June 12, 2007 – EAA headquarters in Oshkosh celebrated the 14th annual International Young Eagles Day (IYED) Saturday, June 9, by holding a special flight rally at Wittman Regional Airport. Seven area pilots provided Young Eagle flights for 65 area children.
Among the happy fliers was Jacob Slezak, 10, who wore a big grin on his face after seeing his hometown from the air. “It was so much fun to look down from the plane and see people or things that I recognized,” he said.
The day’s activities were not confined just to Oshkosh. More than 125 other flight rallies were scheduled around the globe, according to Steve Buss, Young Eagles director. “We had great weather in Oshkosh for this year’s event,” he said. “Looking at the weather around the country, this should be a very successful International Young Eagles Day.”
In fact, it was also a nice day in the Czech Republic, where EAA’s Earl Lawrence, vice president of industry and regulatory affairs, was participating in a European light-sport aircraft meeting. Lawrence had the chance to visit a local general aviation airport on Saturday and see Martin Marecek, EAA 834209, fly three Young Eagles.
“It was unique to have the opportunity to experience International Young Eagles Day in the true sense of the event, outside the U.S.,” Lawrence said. “There was also plenty of activity going on at the at the local grass strip, everything from gliders to multi-engine aircraft flying that day.”
Back in Oshkosh, Lisa Brull, parent of 9-year-old Michaela, said, “My child has never flown before and this day has given her the chance to do so which she will never forget.”
Since 1994, nearly 120,000 of young people have been flown annually at IYED events. Although Young Eagle flights take place year-round, IYED is an annual focal point when EAA members and chapters concentrate on participating in the program.
“I love flying and the feeling of being up in the air,” said 12-year-old Young Eagle Sam Kurkach. “I wish I could fly every day.”
In many cases children took nervous steps toward the airplanes before the flights, but that quickly turned into a happy rush to their parents after the flight to tell them about their exciting time in the sky. Mike Kirby, parent of 12-year-old Nathaniel, said, “Participating in Young Eagles is an incredible adventure for kids and reminds them the importance of doing good for others like the pilots are doing for them.”
Buss emphasized the importance of all the people needed to make a successful Young Eagles rally. “While flying Young Eagles is a thrill, we recognize the efforts of our ground crew, the Oshkosh Air Traffic Control tower staff and our host, Orion Flight Services,” he said. “These events would not happen without them.”
Chapters are encouraged to send in their photos and stories about their IYED events. Send us an E-mail.
Filed by Emily Bultman, EAA Young Eagles Web Intern
Czech Young Eagles Flights
Martin Marecek flying with one of the Young Eagles in Prague.
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Young Eagle pilot Adam Smith with three Young Eagles after their flight on International Young Eagles Day 2007.
Sam Lukach, 12, Pewaukee, Wis., showing his Young Eagle Certificate with his pilot Kay Stanis, Appleton, Wis., following his flight in her Piper Archer III. Sam was one of 65 children to participate in Saturday’s program in Oshkosh.
AJ Colombana, left, 12, and Erica Colombana, right, 11, both of Oshkosh, Wis., adjust their headsets before taking off on their Young Eagle flight with pilot Dennis Gillespie, Hortonville, Wis. Dennis was among the seven pilots who flew from Wittman Regional Airport.
Czech Young Eagles Flights
Marecek flying a Young Eagle over Prague, Czech Republic.
Marecek and the kids flown in the Czech Republic on International Young Eagles Day.
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