by NINA LARAMORE
Staff Reporter
Learning what it’s like to fly a plane is an opportunity that few would pass up. Every year the Experimental Aircraft Association on Orcas provides young people a chance to take to the skies with an experienced local pilot, as part of the Young Eagles Program developed to interest more young people in flying.
“I know that we have influenced young people’s lives because I get letters from those I have taken on a Young Eagles flight,” local EAA organizer Beverly Franklet said. “One of them is at the Air Force Academy right now.”
A pilot for more than 15 years, Franklet one of about five local pilots that donates their time to taking between 30 and 75 participants up in their personal planes each year.
For those that fly with Franklet, they will be in her 180 horsepower Cessna 172 and the experience is free of charge.
The pilots may explain to each participant, between the ages of 8 and seventeen, what will happen during the flight including information about the airplane, maps and charts, a preflight inspection of the airplane and identifying the parts that control the airplane.
Most Young Eagle flights last about 30 minutes. Once back on the ground, there will be additional time to ask questions. Each participant will receive an official Young Eagles Certificate, which is signed by their personal pilot and the Experimental Aircraft Association Chairman, actor Harrison Ford.
“I am thankful to the pilots, the ground staff, Rod Magner for use of his hangar every year and Aeronautical Service that always donates some fuel,” Franklet said.
It is harder and harder to find pilots to participate in the annual day because of the time and expense involved, she said.
The rides will be conducted between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, and those interested should to come to the Port of Orcas Airport Hangar.
“The girls ask a steady stream of questions,” Franklet said. “I don’t know if it’s because I am a woman but the girls always seem to ask more questions. I enjoy telling them about flying. I think it opens the girls’ eyes to something they had not thought about before.”
For more information, contact Beverly Franklet from the EAA Chapter 937 at 376-4763.
