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Aurora, Illinois, October 25, 2006 – The weather for the EAA Chapter 579’s rally on September 24 started out dismally with a low overcast, blustery winds and occasional mist. By 9:30 a.m. there were about 80 Young Eagle candidates already milling about the base of the tower at Aurora Airport (ARR) in Aurora, Illinois, waiting for the rally volunteers to set up. This group included the local high school ROTC students and scouts from area troops and more Young Eagles were on the way.
Pilots based at ARR taxied out from their hangars, assembling in two rows on the ramp while the ground volunteers prepared the sign-up table under the awning of their rally trailer. The rally trailer is a self-contained mobile command center for hosting Young Eagle Rallies.
Usually spotted in the parking lot at the base of the control tower on rally days, the trailer has a computer and printer for record keeping, printing certificates and serves as a refreshment center for the volunteers with hot coffee, cold pop, sandwiches and cookies.
The rally started with a briefing from the control tower representative. The day’s route of flight was confirmed as the southern pattern after consideration is given to wind and general conditions. Although ceilings were low, visibility was excellent and the Chicago skyline could be seen over 40 miles away.
Young Eagle pilots arrived from surrounding airports, but some needed special VFR departures to reach the rally. Before more than a few flights launched, the mist returns and develops into a light rain and the flights return.
Volunteers broke out the big canopy and assembled the posts and trusses for the canvas roof. It took six or seven volunteers to manhandle the protective canopy into place, and as usual, just when they finished, the rain stopped and the clouds started to break up.
As the blue sky peeked out from behind the clouds with ever-increasing frequency, the canopy was struck and put away while planes started loading again. Ceilings increased, more Young Eagles arrived and the rally was firing on all cylinders. After each flight, little toothless smiles popped out, camera shutters clicked and certificates were clutched in small hands.
The preliminary count at the end of the five-hour rally was 137 new Young Eagles.
After volunteers packed up the trailer and planes returned to their hangars, they gathered at one of the pilot hangars to fire up the BBQ and arranged the burgers and brats for maximum occupancy on the grill. There were chips, slaw, potato salad, brownies, hot peach cobbler and many other treats awaiting the group.
Volunteers relaxed after the rally as the sun set on the hangar. Not many more days like this before winter postpones future rallies until next spring!
Submitted by Dan Rubino
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Despite overcast skies, ARR rally volunteers set up the sign-up table before they can get underway
A few Eagle flights took off before the rain set in.
As the clouds began to clear, Young Eagles couldn’t wait to get their chance in the sky.
After the five-hour rally, a preliminary count of 137 new Young Eagles showed off their certificates.
Volunteers relax after a successful rally and one of the season’s last.
For More Information
EAA Chapter 579
Aurora Airport
EAA Young Eagles
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