FACTORYVILLE – Kids and teens showed how much they love to fly at the Young Eagles Rally May 27 at Seamans Airport in the Endless Mountains region when 36 youngsters became passengers of old-fashioned planes.
Local pilots belonging to the Endless Mountains Pilots EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter 1458, in which the main headquarters are located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, volunteered to give free plane rides but not before teaching the basics of how an airplane works. They explained the operations of the aircraft door, safety belts and the instrument panel.
Dennis Moran, vice-president of the Endless Mountains Chapter, has flown over 50 kids and teens during the 10 years of this event.
“I think I have more fun than the kids do,” he said.
During the plane rides, youngsters receive a bird’s eye view of certain locations that are familiar to them. Bridget Jubon and her friend Lauren Ludwikowski saw an aerial view of their homes in Clarks Summit and their school, Abington Heights High School, as well as Roba’s Tree Farm and Elk Mountain.
“He (pilot) asked us where our houses were and flew over them,” said Jubon. “It was a lot of fun.”
Dickson City resident Joshua Henneforth, who is currently training to become a pilot, had the opportunity to fly shotgun with pilot Ken Klass in his plane called Cherokee Warrior. Henneforth currently works in the maintenance department of Seamans Airport and this was his first time attending the Young Eagles Rally.
“It’s a great opportunity for experience and encouragement for kids who want to learn how to fly — a young generation of pilots,” he said.
A junior in high school, Henneforth hopes to receive his pilot’s license by his senior year.
After their flight, children were given a log book and certificate signed by their pilot. These were handled by co-coordinator Heath Goldstein, who is in charge of the paperwork and public service announcements at Seamans Airport. Goldstein also coordinated this event by making sure the pilots are briefed and the rules of EAA are followed.
Snacks and beverages were provided for children and adults on the airport’s picnic tables.
Seamans Airport holds the Young Eagles Rally twice a year, one in the spring and one in the fall. The purpose is to introduce children to aviation by giving them a hands-on experience of what it’s like to be inside a plane.
“We figured we can get them hooked on it,” said Jim Hunt, president of the Endless Mountains Chapter. “We can increase the pilot population. The future of aviation is youth.”
Pilot Ken Klass from Lake Sheridan takes children on a flight during the Young Eagles Rally. Riding shotgun is Joshua Henneforth, of Dickson City. Riding in the backseat are Nicholas Saavedra and Sarah Smith, both of Scranton.
Pilot Dennis Moran, right, vice-president of the Endless Mountains EAA Chapter 1458, with Heather Seccoli from Moscow and her daughter Eden, age 8.
Pilot Ken Klass from Lake Sheridan takes children on a flight during the Young Eagles Rally. Riding shotgun is Joshua Henneforth, of Dickson City. Riding in the backseat are Nicholas Saavedra and Sarah Smith, both of Scranton.
Pilot Dennis Moran, right, vice-president of the Endless Mountains EAA Chapter 1458, with Heather Seccoli from Moscow and her daughter Eden, age 8.
