Fraser
Valley Airports Attractions Abbotsford
International Airshow |
|
If,
like many of us, you spent several of your teenage
years as a member of Canada's cadet corps, you'll
know the thrill and pride of accomplishment that a
small group of young men and women from the Fraser
Valley experienced in the skies over Abbotsford
Airport last summer. They were all part of the EAA
Aviation Foundation's "Young Eagles" program, whose
mission is to provide a motivational aviation
experience, focusing on a demonstration flight in
an airplane. The
foundation's immediate goal, a lofty one, is to
reach 1 million young people in the year 2003. That
year marks the dawn of "Aviation's Second Century"
and EAA's 50th Anniversary. In British Columbia and
across North America, each Young Eagle will know
the exhilaration and freedom of flight, as shared
by a dedicated pilot whose life has been positively
influenced by aviation. Young
Eagles Web Site:
(Details)
Thanks
to the Abbotsford Flying Club and *COPA Flight #
83, each member of the young Fraser Valley crew was
taken for a thrilling ride on one of the AFC's
light aircraft. For most Young Eagles, it was his
or her maiden flight and first visit to the
Abbotsford Airport. Like any regular pilot training
routine, there was a "ground school" class prior to
flight. To stress the importance of atmospheric
conditions and cloud cover to the flight
experience, the participants attended a lecture on
meteorology and cloud formation. Family finances
were not a factor in the selection of Young Eagles,
since the entire program was
complimentary. Abbotsford
Flying Club members volunteered their time to the
Young Eagles project, and some supplied their
personal aircraft so that no youngster would miss
this "first in a lifetime" opportunity. According
to Bob Robertson of the AFC, one club member rented
an airplane at his own expense. The spin-off from
this exercise was a superb public relations effort
for Abbotsford Airport, a positive boost for
aviation in general and the Abbotsford Flying Club
in particular. For
more details or news of future Young Eagles
programs, contact Mr. Robertson at (604)
864-9071.*Canadian Owners and Pilots Association.
*Abbotsford Flying Club. A
young Eagle will also come to see and understand -
as through the eyes of an eagle - that the true
potential of life lies beyond everyday surroundings
and may be reached through pursuit of high personal
goals. Becoming
an EAA Young Eagle is as easy as one-two-three! |