|
Canton, Mich. – July 11, 2007– On Friday, May 11, 2007, 52 sixth, seventh and eighth grade students from Christ the King Lutheran School, of Southgate, Mich., enjoyed their Young Eagles flights at EAA Chapter 113’s Aviation Education Center, located on Mettetal Airport in Canton.
How they became Young Eagles is unique because they all earned their wings in helicopters. Chapter 113 is one of a few chapters that is utilizing helicopters for Young Eagle flights and the only chapter in Michigan that we are aware of. The pilots are Chapter 113 members, Dave James with his 1951 Bell 47D1 and Larry Franzel flying his 1978 Bell 206B3.
To accommodate the large number of students from the school, many chapter members volunteered to fill the various tasks and contributed a great deal in making this event a success. To start the event, students were divided into three groups and were rotated through introductory briefings on Fixed Wing Aerodynamics conducted by Al Bosenetto, followed by a briefing on Rotary Wing Aerodynamics by Leslee Franzel. After the briefings, the prospective Young Eagles proceeded to the ramp area for their Young Eagle Flight.
Once their flight was completed, the Young Eagles were brought to Debbie Forsman who has been Chapter 113’s Young Eagles coordinator for over four years. She utilized EAA’s software to assist in officially logging in the Young Eagles as well as printing out their Certificates. Debbie truly enjoys the program and is fond of saying: “Just for the kids, I love doing it!”
With the training syllabus the chapter members have developed, the students receive more than a Young Eagles flight. They receive a ground school-type education covering fixed and rotor wing aerodynamics, basic navigation, pre-flight an aircraft, and careers in aviation.
Upon exiting the helicopters, many students had grins from ear to ear and “thumbs up” were commonplace. Young Eagle Kelly Burton summed it up quite nicely. “It was awesome!” “Kids should learn to fly when they get older.” The event was topped off with a pizza party for all Young Eagles, pilots and volunteers followed by the accompanying group photo.
The history of this chapter dates back to May of 1961 when the initial charter was signed. The original chapter building was a 1,000 sq. ft. Quonset hut located on the south end of the airfield. EAA Chapter 113’s Aviation Education Center was completed in 2004 and was built by its members. This 5,000-sq. ft. building serves not only chapter functions but also host to the Annual Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast that raises money for local aviation education scholarships. This new facility includes a 1,500-sq. ft. meeting room equipped with wireless internet and state-of-the-art multi-media projector. The library, which operates additionally as an aviation classroom, contains computer-based flight simulator programs as well as an extensive collection of aviation literature. The facility also includes a workshop area for chapter projects and a 50' by 50' aircraft storage area. For further information on EAA Chapter 113 please visit our website at www.eaa113.org
Submitted by proud EAA Chapter 113 members
|
|
One big happy group following EAA Chapter 113’s Young Eagles day held on May 11, 2007 at Mettetal Airport in Canton, Mich.
Getting ready to go. An EAA Chapter 113 member assists a Young Eagle into Dave James’ 1951 Bell 47 helicopter.
For More Information
EAA Chapter 113’s Web Site
|
Become a Volunteer | Volunteer Recognition | Program News | Resources | World's Largest Logbook
EMAIL
STORY
PRINTER
FRIENDLY
Privacy Policy 