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Kerrville, Tex. – June 27, 2006 – “June 10, 2006, was a wonderful day to fly with light winds and fair skies. We had seven intrepid aviators and their splendid flying machines on the flight line at Kerrville (ERV) Airport,” said Hal Buxton, Young Eagles Pilot and Lt. Col. USAF (ret).“There were aircraft outside and several in the hangar on static display.”
According to EAA Chapter 747 President, John Dormer, ”Things started humming shortly after 8:00 a.m. when four members showed up with their planes for the static display area - Vern Hatch with his ‘Cub’, Ron Spiess with his Experimental Aviatika, Gene Oakes with his Celebrity biplane and Jim Mulvihill with his O-1 Birddog.
The Civil Air Patrol’s Cessna 182 was towed into the hangar, where Dick Moga provided pre-flight briefings to the Young Eagles prior to their flights, while the rest of us munched on donuts and swilled coffee provided by the Mulvihills and Joe Kennedy.
Shortly after 8:30 a.m., the pilots received their briefing, which stressed safety and conservative aviating to avoid possible use of ‘barf bags’ by their young passengers. Then the kids started drifting in.”
”By 10:00 a.m., we had 33 youngsters who were eager to fly and had completed all of the required paperwork,” said Buxton. “My Young Eagles were Joshua, Trent and Victor. I met each Young Eagle in the hangar, and we walked to my RV 4. Together we did the exterior preflight. I explained what to look for, the airfoils, control surfaces, engine, propeller and how they worked together to make a heavier-than-air machine fly. Satisfied that the outside would fly, I helped each boy into the rear cockpit, strapped him in and briefed him on what to expect from engine-start to engine-shutdown, including the use of a checklist.
Once we had the engine running, we checked the AWOS weather and checked in on the Unicom frequency 122.7. I talked each young aviator through everything I was doing for the entire flight. Our flights were around the City of Kerrville for a duration of 25-30 minutes. The flights were kept within the comfort level of each Young Eagle so that they could enjoy and learn from the experience. One of my Young Eagles took to flight as a ‘duck takes to water.’ He followed me through on the controls in turns, climbs and descents, and flew some on his own. He was like ‘a kid in a candy store’ pointing out where he went to school, where he lived, etc.”
“One Young Eagle remarked to Joe Kennedy right after take-off, ‘Please tell me I’m not dreaming!’ That’s what makes this program so worthwhile,” said Dormer.
”After spirited flights around Kerrville, we returned to earth, where each Young Eagle had his picture taken at the aircraft and received his certificate. Each of these fine young men had a really good time - one in particular was really ‘pumped-up’ and wanted to know when he could fly again! For me, as a retired USAF fighter pilot, it was a privilege and a great pleasure to fly with them. Keen interest in aviation was kindled and strengthened. Mission accomplished! Who knows what the future will be for these aviation enthusiasts. I hope they get to enjoy flying as much as I,“ said Hal Buxton. “I can't wait to fly Young Eagles again!”
”Of course special kudos goes to our intrepid pilots, who braved the elements, i.e., clear skies, unlimited visibility, and light chop. They presented their young passengers with a bird’s-eye view of Kerrville and the surrounding “Hill Country.” Those stalwart aviators were Hal Buxton and his exceptional RV-4, John Woods in his patriotic Mooney MK 20-C, Alan Baker piloting his Grumman “Tiger” resplendent in fresh paint, Mike Bridges in his C-150, Scott Belt – seasoned I.P. and his C-172, Larry Daudt in his handsome Piper Commanche and Joe Kennedy, President of Kerrville Aviation, generous provider of facilities and discounted fuel for our aircraft and pilot of his Cessna 172,” said Dormer.
“The Flight Operations went off without a hitch thanks to the professionalism of all our pilots. Amy Spiess, Karin Buxton, Judy Miner and Bill Haskell conducted registration in a very efficient manner, supervised by Carol Mulvihill. Ground Operations were performed by Jim Bethel, John Langston, Vern Hatch, Jim Mulvihill, Gene Oakes, Ron Spiess and John Bish (also the designated photographer).
Our heartiest congratulations and sincere appreciation go to Carol Mulvihill for doing such an outstanding job of organizing and orchestrating the Young Eagles event on relatively short notice. Great work, Carol!”
Submitted by John Dormer, Hal Buxton, and Carol Mulvihill
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Pilot Alan Baker (center) stands in front of his Grumman Tiger with two new Young Eagles, Bishop and Taylor
Joshua, a new Young Eagle, shows off his certificate while posing for a photo with pilot Hal Buxton, and Buxton’s plane, an RV-4.
Steven, a new Young Eagle, stands with pilot John Wood in front of his Mooney M-20.
With the backdrop of blue skies and a Cessna 172, Young Eagles Amadeyon, Jovon, and Ashton, pose with their pilot, Joe Kennedy.
Pilot Scott Belt stands with two new Young Eagles, John and Elizabeth, and their little sister (left) who wasn’t quite old enough to take a flight.
Jerricka, Auquisha, and Joandria pose with pilot Scott Belt in front of Scott’s Cessna 172.
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