Young Eagles Rally

Young Eagles were from Acton, Belmont, Billerica, Boxborough, Boylston, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lincoln, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Natick, Quincy, Stow and Sudbury.

The wide horizons grander view shared by pilots with over 51 young people and many interested adults. An opportunity to be on the other side of the fence. To be a part of active aviation and its many positive possibilities and potentials.

Interest, enthusiasm, and gratitude was expressed by many participants to pilots and ground crew. It was a great day for all involved.

Everyone pitched in for setting up and taking down signs, registration tables and other equipment. Glad to see a table with water, etc. set up inside restricted area for the pilots. Thank You, Nancy's Air Field Cafe, for pitchers of water and paper cups.

There was an RV-6 from California, pilot Roger Hansen, member of EAA 663 on hand when we arrived. Also saw a balloon basket on the back of a car in the parking lot, possible heading for the Hot Air Balloon Festival in South Weymouth. Later an ultra light was seen in the traffic pattern.

Kids Connect group from Natick were enthusiastic and helpful. Glad they were there; 5 boys and 4 girls plus Audrey who coordinated and kept things running smoothly. Debra Sayre has done a lot with this ambitious Natick group of mostly middle school youngsters.

Thank you, Judi McGee for joining Mary Smith and me at the registration table. We experienced an interesting and challenging registration time. Amy Moses and her friend, Jessica Hermanson, willingly and ably assisted until it was time for them to leave. Thanks, girls, you helped make our day with your beauty and enthusiasm. Hope you can join us again.

New member of Chapter 196 was a big help. Thank you very much. Pilot Tom McGee helped out with photography for awhile until he started flying the Young Eagles. Charlie Smith was assigning youngsters and pilots, taking photos and answering various questions from one and all. A special thank you to Stan, a friend of Chapter 196 pilots and members. Stan picked up the pizzas when there were just not enough pilots and ground crew to spare for this mission. Our volume of activity has increased.

This years 191 Young Eagles have been flown through August 10, 2002. In comparison 133 were flown during all of last year!

I invite Chapter 196 members to think of joining us on a Saturday to see how they might be able to help out. Even if you are not flying right now, or never have, but you do have a love of aviation and flying, come join the ground crew. Reserve the dates: Young Eagle flights, September 14 and October 12.

Here is a photo gallery of the day:

                                                                                                                                   

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