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Letter to the editor

Event gives kids air time

The Young Eagles will host Take to the Skies at Albert Whitted Airport.

By JEANETTE HORDGE
Published June 6, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - International Young Eagles Day is a global event that allows children ages 8-17 to fly.

The Young Eagles Chapter in St. Petersburg will host its annual Take to the Skies event at Albert Whitted Airport on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Many children attend the annual event for the chance to ride in various aircraft. Some are selected as co-pilots and are given the opportunity to fly the airplane themselves with help from the plane's pilot.

Licensed pilots donate their airplanes and time while instructing participants throughout the event. After the participants fly they will receive a certificate signed by the pilot. They are then registered in the largest logbook in the world, which allows them to record their total number of hours spent in the air.

Any student within the age range can participate in the event. Disabled students also are allowed to participate. The Young Eagles program is a global nonprofit organization. Therefore, if a child moves to a different location, he can continue his aviation adventure by locating another chapter.

Any child can fly, so long as he or she has permission from parents or a guardian. For children who are unable to fly, static planes are provided. These planes remain on the ground and allow children to browse and explore.

According to Terri Griner, coordinator of the Young Eagles program, the organization has plans to one day build an aviation theme park with the help of volunteers and participants.

The International Young Eagles Day program has flown more than 1.2-million children throughout the world.

Chapter 47 of the Young Eagles Program in St. Petersburg was one of the first chapters to be established and has flown more than 3, 500 children. This program was created to provide experience to children who are interested in aviation.

The program has grown more popular in the St. Petersburg area. Take to the Skies is offered in March, the second weekend in June and in October. On average, at least 75 students attend each program offered at the Albert Whitted Airport.

With the support of the city and the program's participants, the Young Eagles Program was able to fly its one-millionth child last year.

Parents of all participants are required to complete a release form giving permission for their child to take part. They may call (727) 822-1532 and request a form via U.S. mail, they can print the online version provided at www.awaps.org or they may fill out a form on the day of the event.

[Last modified June 5, 2007, 22:37:26]