While most of us welcome the arrival of autumn weather and the holiday season, Bristow’s EAA Chapter 1709 members busily work, planning for their next Young Eagles rally when the community’s own youngsters will take flight and soar. Their next rally is currently planned for 8 a.m. on December 20.
Local interest in aviation soared, following the establishment of the local EAA chapter in December of last year, with many youngsters immediately signing up for opportunities to fly and become acquainted with Bristow’s excellently modernized airport facilities via the chapter’s Young Eagles program. In addition to flying and familiarizing themselves with airport grounds and aviation terminology, many of the youngsters also engaged with local teacher Vicki Wilson’s burgeoning aviation classes through Bristow Public Schools.
With young people immediately benefiting from the program, the chapter recognized the need for additional funds and program expansion, creating additional opportunities for program growth through the fly-in, car show, and pancake breakfast the chapter held last June. That fundraising event proved so successful that the chapter will continue to expand and host the event annually, including by adding a concurrent Young Eagles rally. Future fundraisers and events may also include a tethered hot air balloon, introducing youngsters and the public to expansive op-
See Eagles Page Three portunities in the sky above us.
The EAA’s Young Eagles program offers young people ranging in age from 8-years to 17-years opportunities to fly and become intimately acquainted with the aviation industry in both recreational and occupational capacities. Plus, each participant makes lifelong memories and forms connections with pilots and within the aviation industry.
Additionally, Bristow Jones Memorial Airport Manager Vicki Roth and Certified Flight Instructor Lou Malinchak stated that each YE participant receives a 15-minute flight as well as a logbook and certificate at each rally. Malinchak also noted that without the support of the community in attending chapter fundraisers and making donations, many of these future pilots likely would miss out on the opportunity altogether. He added “It’s through these opportunities that future generations of pilots arise. They will fly us forward when we introduce them to aviation. Their passions to take to the skies will keep us flying for decades to come.”
At the chapter’s most recent YE rally on September 13, pilots made around 50 flights with 36 YE program participants. Volunteer pilots donated more than 15 hours of flight time and innumerable hours preparing for the event. Three planes and pilots made all of those flights possible, burning through more than 100 gallons of fuel, while flying our future pilots.
Chapter members gratefully thank the City of Bristow, every volunteer, student, parent, supporter, and donor for making the events possible and successful. Every donation and dollar raised through chapter fundraisers support the rallies and aviators of tomorrow.
To learn more about the EAA’s Young Eagles program, check out their website: www.eaa.org or reach out to Bristow Jones Memorial Airport Manager Vicki Roth. Donations are always welcomed to secure the program’s future, and chapter members’ greatest desires are for the community to experience aviation and enjoy its beautiful airport with them. Be sure to look skyward the morning of December 20, as 30 young eagles soar!