On Saturday, June 11, 2005, at Sierra Sky Park E79, thirteen EAA 376 pilots flew 38 children in celebration of International Young Eagles Day.
These children represented two local groups: The Fresno Covenant Foundation (FCF) and the Police Activities League (PALS). FCF is a non-profit organization committed to help academically at-risk children in low-income neighborhoods improve their academic performance. PALS is a non-profit volunteer organization that pairs mentors with at-risk children.
The day began at 9 a.m., with chapter treasurer, Pinky Bennett, giving an overview of the basics of flight during a 30-minute pre-flight presentation. After a question and answer time, the children were assigned to pilots for their flights. Of the13 pilot volunteers, 5 pilots flew two-place aircraft, and 8 pilots flew four-place aircraft. Each pilot flew at least twice in order to have all the children get their flights in by lunchtime.
The ground crew consisted of Martha Eaves, Lynette Brietigam, Robin Ribb, and Kasee Baierski. They worked fast and furiously to register all the anxious Young Eagles for their flights and assign them to their pilots. Robin Ribb kept airplanes, automobiles and the public safe and happy as she acted as traffic director. The ground crew also distributed the Young Eagles Certificates to the pilots to give to their new Young Eagles. Jim Pratt volunteered to be our photographer for the event and did an incredible job. You may access www.snapfish.com to view his handiwork in it’s entirety.
After the kids were flown and certificates awarded, all the children and pilots gathered together for a group picture. Barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs, prepared by EAA Chapter 376 members, were on the menu and served free to all the new Young Eagles. To top it all off, Fresno Bee Special Features reporter, Margaret Slaby, was in attendance writing an article for the newspaper about EAA Chapter 376 and our Young Eagles Program. Also, local television station KMPH, channel 26 was here filming a short clip for the 10 o’clock news that evening. Everyone involved, ground crew and pilots alike, had a wonderful, fun, safe day.
As chapter coordinator for Young Eagles, I would like to personally acknowledge and thank the pilots for their dedication to the young people of Fresno. These 38 children had the opportunity to experience the “wonder of flight” because of the generosity of these pilots and other chapter members who volunteered their time to make this event exceptionally special for the kids.
To Young Eagles pilots Chas Baierski, Pat Brietigam, Jim Coelho, Tim Doda, Ralph Eaves, Phil Engelskirger, Don Enns, Erik Hermansen, Walt Klees, John Krikorian, Steve LaFerrera, Phil Moradian, and Galen Raymond, I give you my heartfelt THANKS!
Comments from the kids: One 12 year-old Young Eagle, who was visiting from Columbia, excitedly stated after her flight, “I want to come to America to get my pilot’s license after I graduate from high school!” Another 8 year-old Young Eagle announced to her father she wants an airplane instead of a car when she’s 16!
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The airplanes await!
Young Eagles, Pilots and Volunteers on June 11
Pre-Flight Briefing
The Ground Crew in action!
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