Young Eagles Rally

August 12th 2000

The early morning weather on August 12, 2000 was not at all promising--layers of low clouds moving across from the east and even chances of showers. At our planned starting time of 9:00 a.m. Hanscom ATIS was reporting the bottoms at 1200 feet and things were not looking much better at Minuteman. But with some gradual improvement we were able to get in some flights after about a one hour delay getting started and eventually three pilots flew five new Young Eagles along with several parents.

Pilots, ground crew and three prospective Young Eagles were there bright and early at 9:00 a.m. The canopy, registration table and chairs were up and ready for sun and action. Weather conditions improved, then declined, and then improved. Young Eagles and their parents were well aware of the pilots' concerns and contacts with ATIS. Around 10:15 the flights started. By this time two more Young Eagles had registered. So a total of five Young Eagles and some of their parents were flown.

Tom McGee put out an aeronautical chart (Boston) that the older Young Eagles and their parents found very interesting. They were locating familiar spots near the field.

Two separate airport tours were given by Peter Benoit who also took most of the Polaroid shots.

August 12th Young Eagles
Jennifer Thorpe
Alison Crocker
Gabriel Cantor
Michael Spain
Kristopher Connor

Thank you to the pilots and ground crew who were there to give their support to the event in a multitude of various activities. Each was an integral part of the whole. These included our president Jon Engvall, vice president Mark Saklad, Nels Anderson, Peter Benoit, Jim Ellis, Tom McGee, Judy McGee, Fred Moses, Alan Orth, Jeffrey Simon and Betty-Lee Ward.

August 12th Young Eagles
Jennifer Thorpe Alison Crocker Gabriel Cantor Michael Spain Kristopher Connor

Jim Ellis, Alan Orth and Jeffrey Simon flew the Young Eagles. Special welcome and thanks to Jeffrey Simon and his Grumman AA5. Jeffrey is an EAA member who was with us for the rally.

Young Eagles Coordinator Charlie Smith telephoned from Alaska to ask about the Young Eagles Rally. He and Mary are on a well deserved vacation. We all appreciate their dedicated involvement in Young Eagles and enjoy working with them.

Report by Betty-Lee Ward

Here is a photo gallery of the event:

To sign up for future events or for additional information, please call Charles A. Smith at 508-655-2368 or email him at cmsmith@gis.net. For last minute information on the day of the event only, call the airport at 978-897-3933.