Local EAA Chapter Hosts Young Eagles Day at Central Kentucky Regional Airport

Oct. 8—The Central Kentucky Regional Airport was buzzing with activity last Sunday as kids got to experience new heights on free airplane rides.

On Oct. 2, Central Kentucky Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) hosted "Young Eagles Day," an event that offers free rides for kids 8 to 17 at the airport. The EAA is an international organization based out of Wisconsin, and Sunday's event was sponsored by EAA Chapter 892, located in Richmond.

Libby Jones, Young Eagles coordinator for chapter 892, said the organization hopes to spark interest in aviation careers among the younger generation.

"There certainly is a shortage of pilots right now, and events like these are a free way young people can come to the airport, meet actual pilots, and get to explore a real airplane and get to ride in one," Jones said. "You see the joy on their faces when they are getting off the planes and it is wonderful. You really hope that spark stays."

Nationwide pilot shortages have contributed to thousands of delays and flight cancelations across the U.S. in 2022. Management consulting firm Oliver Wyman estimates the industry is facing a deficit of about 8,000 pilots, or 11% of the total workforce, and says the shortfall could reach 30,000 pilots by 2025.

For some, a free ride on Young Eagles Day does turn into a lifelong love for aviation.

"It does work," said George Wyatt, chair of the Madison County Airport Board and a fellow member of EAA Chapter 892. "I took one young man on a flight for his first time many years ago and today he is a captain for one of the regional airlines. It started here."

Wyatt said it's gratifying to see young people pursue their passion.

"He was really interested and I've watched him grow over the years. He got his license at the earliest possible day and now that's his career. It's amazing, really," Wyatt said.

Launched in 1992, the Young Eagles program has dedicated 30 years to giving youth ages 8 to 17-years-old their first free ride in an airplane. It's the only program of its kind.

EAA Chapter 892 have been providing flights for many years at the local airport, and on Sunday, 76 kids got the chance to take to the air and fly around Madison County for about 15 minutes.

According to Jones, pilots from across Kentucky and different EAA chapters donated their time and planes to make the day happen.

"The pilots do this out of the sheer love they have for aviation and we are so fortunate they took the time out to do this," Jones said. "The day wouldn't be possible without them."

EAA Chapter 1227 President Jan Puetthoff from Mt. Sterling flew his Piper Lance aircraft into Richmond for the day.

According to the pilot, his love of aviation also began at a young age as he boarded many flights back and forth visiting family in the United States from Germany.

"There is nothing like it," Puetthoff said of flying. "I really enjoy the excitement of the kids faces when they realize we have left the ground."

For many, such as 14-year-old Savannah Carr, Young Eagles Days are something she looks forward to every year. Carr, who was participating with her younger brothers on Sunday, said she has attended the events for several years.

"The first time I was ever in an airplane was at a Young Eagles Day," Carr explained. "I just keep wanting to come back because it is an amazing experience."

Carr said she feels lucky to be able to participate in events like Young Eagles Day.

"It's pretty special every time, but the first time is always the best," Carr said of the experience. "I think it would be cool to be a pilot and I'm really glad we have something like this locally. Not everyone gets the chance to ride in airplane like this. I'm happy I get to share that experience with my younger brothers."

In addition to the free flights, families also took part in tabletop and yard games and enjoyed lunch from two local food trucks during the event on Sunday.

Chapter 892 of the EAA has been active since the mid 1970's and the Young Eagles Event made its a return last spring to the Central Kentucky Regional Airport after a sabbatical due to the pandemic.

According to Jones, the chapter's spring event likely set a record with more than 150 participants that day.

After their flights, the participants each received an EAA Young Eagle certificate, a logbook and a flight manual. In addition, their names were entered into the national Young Eagle Logbook at the EAA Air Venture Museum in Oshkosh, Wis. Young Eagles also can log into that site to enroll in a free online flight training course.

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