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Temple, Tex. – April 5, 2006 – “We enjoy the events as much or even more than even the kids do!” said Bob Stone, EAA Chapter 542 Young Eagles Coordinator. “When you take a young child who has never been in any kind of a flying machine and watch their reaction at liftoff when they realize that they are actually flying like the birds, there is nothing like it. Their eyes get as big as silver dollars and the excitement they feel at that moment makes it all worthwhile, no matter what the cost.”
Having flown 26 children in all of last year, Chapter 542 flew 28 at their first EAA Young Eagles event at Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport on March 11th. A Piper Cherokee, Beachcraft Bonanza, Cessna 172 and an Aeronca took to the skies that Saturday morning at 9 a.m. The fun continued until noon when all of the Young Eagles had their chance in the sky.
Prior to each of the flights, which lasted 15-20 minutes, John Ridout presented the children with information on aerodynamics, flight safety, and the function of many different parts of the plane. Each pilot then familiarized the Young Eagles with the plane that they were about to ride in.
To publicize this event, making it more successful, Stone arranged for an announcement on a local radio station and sent news releases to local newspapers. “This effort paid off to the tune of 28 children showing up to fly at our first Young Eagles rally this year, two more than all last year. It is my intention in the future to do the same each and every time we hold one of these flight rallies in the hope that we can do this at least four times a year (every three months) and fly 100+ children.”
Pilot Mike Pinson (left) and his second Young Eagle following their flight in Pinson’s Aeronca. 
Pilot Colin Hudson (left) presents certificates to his second group of Young Eagles in front of his Cessna 172. 
Double I CFI, John Ridout (left), and ”Beloved den mother and Chapter President” George Loffert give an introduction to preflight safety and an explanation of how airplanes fly.
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Pilot Jim Livingston (left) teaches three Young Eagles about the safety preflight inspection that must be done prior to each flight.
Livingston (left) stands with some excited Young Eagles in front of his Piper Cherokee before their flight.
Pilot Colin Hudson (left) stands with his first Young Eagles in front of his Cessna 172 before taking off on their flight.
A mother and her two sons pose with pilot, Reggie Bass prior the their Young Eagles flight in Bass’s Beachcraft Bonanza.
Tom Johnson ensures everyone’s safety as the Chapter’s Ramp Boss.
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