Olathe, Kan. – June 29, 2006 – "There is just something special about sharing the experience of flying with kids,” said Matthew Brandes, a Young Eagles pilot.
At 8:00 a.m. on June 3, young people began showing up for EAA Chapter 868’s Young Eagles rally being held at Johnson County Executive Airport in Olathe, Kan.
A total of 48 kids were flown. Two large groups attended the event along with many individuals. The groups were the New Century Young Marines and a group of “at-risk” youth.
All of the children and their families were also invited to take a tour of the control tower – an offer that many took advantage of.
From a pilot’s point of view:
“Having been intrigued with flying machines in my childhood days, I know first-hand the wonder of a child and the thrill of watching an airplane as it departs for the sky. Now that I've been blessed with airplane ownership in my adult years, I have a sincere desire to share the thrill of flight with the young people of our community. Some of these youngsters will someday go on to earn their pilot's license for their career, military or recreation. Supporting them by being a pilot for the Young Eagles program is the least I can do.”
--Rick Mentel, Chapter 868 Young Eagles Pilot
“Ever since we started building our RV-9A, I've looked forward to participating in the Young Eagles events. To see the kids smile is just fantastic. Some of the kids we flew during this event don't have a lot to smile about but the experience of flying put a smile on their face for days afterward.”
--Matthew Brandes, Chapter 868 Young Eagles Pilot
The Young Eagles’ stories:
Tyra Gentry, adjutant instructor for the Young Marines, said, “The kids were so excited. Some of the boys couldn’t sleep!” Tyra’s daughter Cassy, 12, had never flown before. She had a great time with the opportunity to steer the plane and see boats in the lake from a new perspective.
One Young Eagle, Ermias Dereje, 14, wants to become a commercial pilot and eventually own a fleet of planes. He and his 11-year old brother, Ammanuel, are no strangers to flying, having moved to Kansas from Africa in 1998 and going back to visit during the summers. “I saw my house,” Ermias said. His favorite part was “controlling the plane. I just like the feeling.”
During the flight, pilots introduced the kids to the different parts of the airplane. “They got to have personal contact with the pilot,” parent Magda Blas said. “That’s just priceless.”
Pilots and their airplanes:
Matthew Brandes (Van's RV-9A)
Nathan Larson (Van's RV-9A)
Bob Cooper (Lancair 320)
Rick Mentel (Bonanza)
Brian Reiter (Tripacer)
Scott Hobson (Cessna 152)
Paul Thomson (Super Decathalon)
Volunteers:
Frank Brooks, ground volunteer
Ken Perkins, ground volunteer
Sandi Brandes, ground volunteer
Kevin Hanson, photography
Elizabeth Willy, sign in and certificates
Ana Willy, sign in and certificates
Maria Willy, side kick
Paul Willy, YE coordinator
Nicki Boltz, KCAC public relations. Use of the FBO
Bob Giabbi, Airport Tower Manager. Tours of the tower
Gleim publicaitons, provided the Learn to fly publications and Sporty’s, provided the cockpit posters.
To view more photos of the event, click here!
Submitted by Matthew Brandes
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In his Lancair 320, Pilot Bob Cooper and a new Young Eagle prepare for their flight.
Pilot Matthew Brandes and new Young Eagle are ready for a flight in this Van’s RV-9A.
Before their flight, Pilot Nathan Larson and a new Young Eagle pause for a photo in front of a Van’s RV-9A.
Pilot Rick Mentel stands in front of his Bonanza with three new Young Eagles.
Pilot Brian Reiter teaches a new Young Eagle about the instruments in his Tripacer.
Pilot Scott Hobson poses for a photo with a new Young Eagle in front of Scott’s Cessna 152,.
Pilot Paul Thomson and a new Young Eagle taxi toward the runway in his In his Super Decathalon.
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