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Carson City, Nev., Nov. 15, 2006 – When the Fallon, Nev., Paiute-Shoshone Native American Tribe invited Sierra EAA Chapter 403 to bring the Young Eagle program to the Tribe’s young people, the chapter knew that this was a valuable opportunity to share the thrill of flying. The September 9th event was sponsored and organized by Children’s Justice Act Coordinator Gary Hall and Merry Romine and Mike Reynolds, co-chairs of the Chapter’s Young Eagle program, on September 9, 2006.
Most of the Tribe had not been exposed to aviation first hand, which made the day very rewarding for pilots and volunteers.
”I wanted to show them what it’s all about and give them the opportunity to experience something they wouldn’t get to do any other way,” said Hall.
The weather was ideal at the Fallon Municipal Airport for the 26 Young Eagles to take to the skies. Seven of the eight pilots flew from their home airport of Carson City, Nev., flying in both production and homebuilt aircraft, at the event.
Young Fallon students began the day with ground school, taught by Bob Dickinson, a Carson City resident. After the flights were underway, Tribal Youth Program Coordinator Yvonne Capucci praised the event saying, “This was a great opportunity for our youth and it’s going to open a lot of doors for their future.”
Contributing sponsor Fox Peak provided lunch for all participants at no charge during the event as well.
The significance of this event was further marked by the cooperation of the NAS Fallon who allowed the pilots to use their tower for flight separation and assisted in safety. We know they were attentive to the schedule by the fly-by of two F-18’s at the end of the event!
Certainly taking their first flight resulted in many different emotions, but all the Young Eagles agreed that this change in perspective, seeing their reservation from the air, would stay with them for a long time.
Pilot David McClelland has been flying since he was 9-years-old and said, “I got bit by the flying bug when I was nine, and my goal today is to get one of these guys bit by the fly bug.”
Keeping with tradition, each Young Eagle left with a certificate of flight, a photograph with their pilot and memories from the sky to inspire them.
September 9 truly was a unique day for everyone involved in the Young Eagle event.
Submitted by EAA Chapter 403
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Bob Dickinson gives the preflight rundown before the Young Eagles take their first flights.
Gary Hall with two new Fallon, Nev., Paiute-Shoshone Tribe Young Eagles.
Mike Jimenez with one new Young Eagle.
Jacki Montgomery with one of the 26 Young Eagles who flew from the Paiute-Shoshone Tribe.
For More Information
Chapter 403
Young Eagles
Fallon Municipal Airport
NAS Fallon
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