On Sept. 19, Sporty’s held its own Young Eagles day to provide flights to 14 children and siblings of employees. The Young Eagles flights took place in the company’s Cessna 172s and Piper Aztec and were piloted by Sporty’s employees.
“We are strong supporters of Young Eagles through our Next Step initiative, but we also want to provide aviation opportunities at our home base at Clermont County Airport (I69) [in Ohio],” says Sporty’s President Michael Wolf. “Piloting a Young Eagles flight is always a pleasure for me.”
The children of Sporty’s employees from ages 8 to 17 were eligible for a flight. Prior to each flight, these about-to-be Young Eagles were introduced to aviation with a mini-ground school.
“We encouraged the Young Eagles to bring a camera with them on their flight,” adds Wolf. “This will not only allow them to remember the experience, but also share with friends and their family.”
Sporty’s photographer also provided a photo of each child with the aircraft and his or her pilot at the conclusion of the flight.
Young Eagles were given a logbook to document their flight, a complimentary student membership to the Experimental Aircraft Association, and access to Sporty’s Learn to Fly course. Older Young Eagles were counseled how to proceed with their first flying lesson.
“Sporty’s takes its obligation to grow the next generation of pilots seriously, and there’s no better place to do that than our own airport,” says Wolf.