June 8, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
Area young people ages 8-17 will have a chance to take to the skies on Saturday, June 11, as the local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1378 hosts a Young Eagles Flight Rally at the Smithville Municipal Airport.
The rally is part of the EAA Young Eagles Program, created to interest young people in aviation.
Smithville Airport Manager Katelyn Sanders said children will be taken for a free scenic flight over the lake and the Smithville area from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. First come, first flown. The rides are limited to children only ages 8 to 17 and while siblings may fly together, if possible, parents cannot join them unless there is a medical reason they must be with their child.
“We will have about four or five pilots lined up. A few of them are tenants here. We will have single engine and multi-engine aircraft. The fights will last about 15 minutes and will probably go over the lake and take a little scenic route back to the airport,” said Sanders. “ Before the plane rides you will get a little safety briefing and basic information about the aircraft and what to expect. Then they will get you buckled in and take off. We will have a couple of booths set up for anyone wanting more information about joining Young Eagles or about aviation in general,” said Sanders.