Children learn to fly 'like an angel' Check out the video Here
ST. LUCIE COUNTY — Becoming the next Amelia Earhart or Charles Lindbergh does not come easy, but taking free aviation lessons at St. Lucie County International Airport is a good start.
The Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program held its annual free airplane rides event for youngsters across the region on Saturday. For many, ranging in ages 8-17, the airport experience marks their first step toward aerospace education.
According to Young Eagles Coordinator Kevin Griffin, the Experimental Aircraft Association has flown more than 1.3 million children since the program's start in 1992.
"It's an excellent basic instruction program that opens the exciting world of flying to our children," said Martin Marugg, an educator with the Civil Air Patrol.
During the program, children were instructed using model airplanes and then moved on to operate a flight simulator. They also took a 20-minute flight at 2,000 feet and a speed of about 120 miles per hour over Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie and the Indian River Lagoon.
Lisa Stott of Port St. Lucie said she was surprised how easily her 11-year-old daughter, Alex, learned the functions of the control yoke and the rudder pedals.
"I love the feeling I get when the plane tilts in motion," Alex said after her first flight in a single-engine plane.
Major David Littlefield of the Civil Air Patrol introduced the use of controls, instruments, radios, and switches to the kids participating in the event.
"For the kids, a day like this is an absolute hoot," he said. "Here they get a hands-on look at three types of planes — the Grumman, the Cessna, and the Piper."
Learning continued for the flying aces right up to the time they boarded the plane. Before takeoff, 24-year veteran pilot Mike Ketchpaw of Vero Beach explained tower and taxi instructions. Knowing the kids were eager to leave the ground, he briefly touched on the weather, the wind factor, and runway use as they climbed into the cockpit.
"The smile on the kid's faces when they touch down is payday for me," said Ketchpaw.
Robin Moorman of Fort Pierce, a pilot with the program since its inception, believes the program is a success because every year more children attend than the year before.
"Kids gain an appreciation for aviation that lasts a lifetime," said Moorman.
Nine-year-old Andrea Clark and her 10-year-old brother, Aaron, of Port St. Lucie, said it was "funny" to fly and look out over little doll-like houses.
"I felt like an angel," Andrea said, "and my brother learned that the plane he flew in holds four gallons of gas, which lasts four hours."
