FAIRMONT — The Fairmont Young Eagles Day Saturday at the Fairmont Airport is about much more than free airplane rides.

Though the free plane rides for children are a big part of the event’s appeal, there’s also a more serious purpose to the day.

Scheduled from 10 a.m to 4 p.m., it’s meant to expose kids ages 8-17 to aviation and careers in science, technology, engineering and math, according to Richard Judy, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 842 Young Eagles coordinator.

“With the pilot shortages that are only forecast to get worse, these are good, high-paying jobs, not only for pilots, but aircraft mechanics, air traffic controllers, airport managers, etc.,” he said.

Pilots from around the area will “share their passion for flying and eagerness to help inspire the next generation of problem solvers by connecting young people to the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” according to a flyer promoting the event.

Judy said kids can expect a 15-17 minute airplane ride over the City of Fairmont at 2,500 feet in altitude.

“We take off and land at the Fairmont Airport and the kids will get a good look at downtown Fairmont and may be able to see Clarksburg if the day is clear,” he said.

He said the rides are “courtesy of the local pilots that participate and believe in the program.”

“They are donating the cost of their airplanes and fuel to inspire the kids that take a ride,” he said.

As always, Judy is looking forward to the event.

It’s been offered the past two years in Fairmont. Judy said this includes one that was held earlier this year that he said wasn’t advertised very well and only had 36 kids show up.

“I’m very excited about every Young Eagles event I have,” he said. “The huge smiles that a kid comes back with, especially if they were unsure about going in the first place are what does it for me.”

He said he loves doing the program and “can’t wait for the next one.”

“It’s great seeing kids that want to take a positive step in the direction of their lives and attain a career that will provide them a good job with a good salary and I hope they mentor that next generation,” he said.

According to Judy, the EAA conceived the Young Eagles program in 1992, with the initial goal of giving 1,000,000 kids a free airplane ride by the 100th anniversary of powered flight.

“That goal was met, but the program continued and now the goal is to have approximately 200,000 kids per year take a free airplane ride,” he said.

After their plane ride, kids get pinned with a set of wings and take home a certificate documenting their flight.

The event will be hosted in the terminal building. Visitors can park in the general parking lot and walk inside, it states.

Eric Hrin can be reached at 304-367-2549, or [email protected].

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