Free airplane flights for Young Eagles Saturday

by Rhett Sifford
An Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) “Young Eagles” rally will provide children ages eight to 17 an exciting opportunity to ride in an airplane for free this Saturday. 
The rally, hosted by the Monticello Chapter of the EAA, runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Monticello airport.
EAA Chapter 1606 is known as the “Abajo Aviators”. President Fred Burnet says the goal of the Young Eagle rally is to get local kids interested in aviation.  He says the aviation job market is exploding, and he would love to see some future pilots come from Monticello.
Monticello’s Mission Discovery School and the Canyon Country Discovery Center will be at the rally.  Monticello pilot Dave Bieber will host an open house in his new hangar, which was built by Fritz Pipkin’s Abajo Construction. Bieber will also fly his 1977 Beechcraft Bonanza during the event.
Salt Lake City’s Westminster College will present a static airplane display and preflight training during the event Saturday. 
While kids are waiting for airplane rides, they can pilot U-Line gas motor model airplanes and participate in other activities.
One boy and one girl will win a free flight lesson in a raffle.  Food and drinks will be available during the rally.  The morning begins with a color guard presentation to honor military veterans.
Every child who takes a Young Eagle flight will receive a free EAA student membership, which includes access to scholarships, free flight lessons and courses, free family admission to over 300 worldwide science and technology museums, and more.
Burnet says some scholarships could pay a full ride from non-pilot all the way up to commercial pilot.  He hopes that Monticello kids get involved with the EAA and reap even more benefits over time.
Burnet says, “Your first solo flight is so amazing and so exhilarating.  From that point on it changes your life.” 
He says that even though interest in aviation may not lead to an aviation career, it can still help young people make a better future for themselves.
Burnet says aviation brings a cohesiveness with other businesses in town.  He says pilots typically spend more money on vacation than the general public since they rent cars, stay in hotels, and eat out.
For information on Saturday’s Young Eagles rally, visit the Abajo Aviators’ website at 1606.EAAChapter.org or call Fred Burnet at 435-610-6339.