Lizzy's Landing

Elizabeth has had a passion for flying since she took her first Young Eagles  (chapter 91) flight back in 2010 with pilot Chris St. Germain at the Lee's Summit Airport.  Since that flight we have been actively attending the Young Eagles events.  She has also learned how to read maps, studied the stars and is learning to use a flight computer.

Some of the pilots are beginning to recognize her as a frequent flier and as a result have been working with her and letting her have the control of the plane.  Until now she has basically done straight flying.  This afternoon however, with a dual control Cessna 182 she got to land and taxi down the runway back to the Young Eagles hanger.  She was very excited.

Did you know that when you taxi (drive) the airplane on the ground, you control the direction of the airplane with foot pedals? The stick (sort of resembles a steering wheel) is not used on the ground.  The same pedals are also used for the break.  Think you could drive your car only using your feet?  It would take a feat to do that!

Elizabeth at the controls

The plane she flew in today.

After she had her successful landing, we thought it fun to go eat at one of the Mexican Restaurants, Habanero's  in Lee's Summit--take a look at the picture of the restaurant and you will see why we picked it.

She kept her landing on the ground, unlike this plane on the restaurant roof!

Young Eagles is a program that is offered nation wide.  Click here for the national website.

Young Eagles--Free Airplane Rides for Kids

Young Eagles is a national program, designed to let kids aged 8-17  (strictly enforced) experience flight in an airplane.  Our family participates in this at the Lee's Summit MO airport, which just announced this years schedule.   If you are not in the Kansas City area, check with your local airport to see if they participate, or google Young Eagles to find an airport near you that does.


Young Eagles is run off of donations only and by volunteers.  Various pilots donate their time, fuel expenses and airplane to give kids free rides.  They do have a donation bucket you can drop money into.  (FYI, plane fuel is higher priced than auto fuel...).  At the Lee's Summit airport, they have a fundraiser breakfast at each event.  We always make that a special treat and arrive early eat there.  You can also just go for the breakfast and not fly, but watch.  Please, if you fly, donate--even if only a couple dollars to keep this wonderful program going.  


Kids do need an adult to sign for them to fly.  Go early, as they sometimes have more kids than available flights, and they go in order in which you sign up.  Some planes can take only one one passenger, and others are four or six seaters.


This is a great treat when you study aviation, transportation, or weather/clouds.  Also a great way to work on a scout badge or 4H project.


Kids are given a flight log book and information about flying.  Cameras are welcome.  On a rare day, when riders are light, pilots will sometimes even ask if a parent wants to fly as well (but if you have other children they can't be left on the ground unattended.)


Safety is important, so during bad weather, all flights stop. 

Young Eagles

Twice I have posted information about the Young Eagles on this site. Finally, scheduling allowed us to go to an event and we were so favorably impressed.

Saturday, as a surprise I took the twins to the Lee's Summit Airport. They had no idea where we were going or why. We got there in time for the pancake breakfast. It was $5 each and very good (although at the time I was wondering if I should be poking food down them before flying, but that turned out not to be a problem). It was while we were eating, that it dawned on the twins what was going on. It was also about the same time it started to rain a little harder.

After we ate, I filled out the permission form for each of the girls and we turned them in and sat down to wait and read the brochure they gave us. We are doing a science and history study on aviation, so it fit right in. The twins were the first names called and they went to meet their pilot Chris. He went over a few things with them, put them on the plane and fitted them with a headset each, and they took off.

They flew over the Royals and Chiefs stadiums, Worlds of Fun, Bayer, the Missouri River and more. The look on their faces when they landed and taxied to a stop was priceless. I will say however, Rebecca did look a little green, but it didn't last long. Once on the ground they had their pictures taken with their pilot and received a certificate.

Unfortunately, the weather didn't improve, and as we were preparing to leave, they were suspending the flights until the ceiling cleared.

Later this year we plan to return so Emily can also join the ranks of the flying Young Eagles. She was at a Basic Fire Fighting class and was unable to attend. She has flown once, but she was just a tiny baby at the time, around 8 weeks old. As I recall she slept through the entire flight.

I highly recommend this program as a great kick off or wonderful end to the study of travel, aviation or famous persons in history, such as the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart and more.

http://www.chrishopefaaflightinstructor.com/

EAA Young Eagles Program
Get A Free Flight!
If you are between 8 and 17 years old, the EAA Young Eagles programs wants to offer you the chance of a lifetime. Turn your dreams into reality on a free Young Eagles flight and become one of over 1 Million Young Eagles! To find out where and when check out EAA Chapter 91 Young Eagle Events.

Young Eagle Events at Lee's Summit Airport (Breakfast is available 7:30-11:00 on Lee's Summit dates.)
Date Location Time
June 19 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
July 17 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
August 7 K.C. Downtown Airport 9:00-3:00
September 18 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
October 16 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon

What will the flight be like?

The biggest question on your mind might be about the actual flight. So what should you expect?

First of all, your pilot will explain what will happen during the flight. This might include talking about the airplane; reviewing an aeronautical chart (or map); identifying reference points during the flight; completing a careful "walk around" preflight inspection of the airplane and identifying the parts that control the airplane.

Once you are ready to go flying, your pilot will help you buckle your seat belt and describe the interior of the airplane, including the instrument panel. Pretty soon, it will be time to go flying!

Once in the air, you’ll see the earth and sky in a new and exciting way. You’ll experience the wonderful freedom of flight that many people only dream about. If you are like most Young Eagles, you’ll remember this experience for the rest of your life.

Most Young Eagle flights last between 15 and 20 minutes. Once back on the ground, there will be additional time for you to ask questions about the flight. Ask away! Your pilot will be happy to tell you more about flying and their particular airplane. And don’t forget, you’ll also receive an official Young Eagles certificate, which is signed, by your personal pilot and our Chairman Harrison Ford.

We look forward to adding your name to the ever-growing list of EAA Young Eagles!

For more information, visit the EAA Young Eagles Website.

The program

The

EAA Young Eagles

program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people, ages 8 - 17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.

Since 1992, more than 1.25 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight through the program. Young Eagles have been registered in more than 90 different countries and have been flown by nearly 40,000 volunteer pilots.

Participation is easy. Simply contact the EAA Young Eagles office to find the closest volunteer pilot. From there, arrange a convenient time to go flying. We hope you enjoy a Young Eagles introduction to the exciting world of aviation. Make sure you come back to visit this web site after your flight to continue exploring the wonderful world of aviation!

For more information, visit the EAA Young Eagles website.

Young Eagles time again!

EAA Young Eagles Program
Get A Free Flight!
If you are between 8 and 17 years old, the EAA Young Eagles programs wants to offer you the chance of a lifetime. Turn your dreams into reality on a free Young Eagles flight and become one of over 1 Million Young Eagles! To find out where and when check out EAA Chapter 91 Young Eagle Events.

Young Eagle Events at Lee's Summit Airport (Breakfast is available 7:30-11:00 on Lee's Summit dates.)
Date Location Time
April 17 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
May 15 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
June 19 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
July 17 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
August 7 K.C. Downtown Airport 9:00-3:00
September 18 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
October 16 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon

What will the flight be like?

The biggest question on your mind might be about the actual flight. So what should you expect?

First of all, your pilot will explain what will happen during the flight. This might include talking about the airplane; reviewing an aeronautical chart (or map); identifying reference points during the flight; completing a careful "walk around" preflight inspection of the airplane and identifying the parts that control the airplane.

Once you are ready to go flying, your pilot will help you buckle your seat belt and describe the interior of the airplane, including the instrument panel. Pretty soon, it will be time to go flying!

Once in the air, you’ll see the earth and sky in a new and exciting way. You’ll experience the wonderful freedom of flight that many people only dream about. If you are like most Young Eagles, you’ll remember this experience for the rest of your life.

Most Young Eagle flights last between 15 and 20 minutes. Once back on the ground, there will be additional time for you to ask questions about the flight. Ask away! Your pilot will be happy to tell you more about flying and their particular airplane. And don’t forget, you’ll also receive an official Young Eagles certificate, which is signed, by your personal pilot and our Chairman Harrison Ford.

We look forward to adding your name to the ever-growing list of EAA Young Eagles!

For more information, visit the EAA Young Eagles Website.

The program

The EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people, ages 8 - 17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.

Since 1992, more than 1.25 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight through the program. Young Eagles have been registered in more than 90 different countries and have been flown by nearly 40,000 volunteer pilots.

Participation is easy. Simply contact the EAA Young Eagles office to find the closest volunteer pilot. From there, arrange a convenient time to go flying. We hope you enjoy a Young Eagles introduction to the exciting world of aviation. Make sure you come back to visit this web site after your flight to continue exploring the wonderful world of aviation!

For more information, visit the EAA Young Eagles website.

EAA Young Eagles Program Free Flight for kids 8 - 17

EAA Young Eagles Program

Get A Flight!
If you are between 8 and 17 years old, the EAA Young Eagles programs wants to offer you the chance of a lifetime. Turn your dreams into reality on a free Young Eagles flight and become one of over 1 Million Young Eagles! To find out where and when check out EAA Chapter 91 Young Eagle Events.

Young Eagle Events at Lee's Summit Airport (Breakfast is available 7:30-11:00 on Lee's Summit dates. $5 for all-you-can-eat pancakes, plus one serving of eggs, bacon or sausage, and juice or coffee.)
Date Location Time
September 19 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
October 17 Lee's Summit Airport 8:30-noon
What will the flight be like?

The biggest question on your mind might be about the actual flight. So what should you expect?

First of all, your pilot will explain what will happen during the flight. This might include talking about the airplane; reviewing an aeronautical chart (or map); identifying reference points during the flight; completing a careful "walk around" preflight inspection of the airplane and identifying the parts that control the airplane.

Once you are ready to go flying, your pilot will help you buckle your seat belt and describe the interior of the airplane, including the instrument panel. Pretty soon, it will be time to go flying!

Once in the air, you'll see the earth and sky in a new and exciting way. You'll experience the wonderful freedom of flight that many people only dream about. If you are like most Young Eagles, you'll remember this experience for the rest of your life.

Most Young Eagle flights last between 15 and 20 minutes. Once back on the ground, there will be additional time for you to ask questions about the flight. Ask away! Your pilot will be happy to tell you more about flying and their particular airplane. And don't forget, you'll also receive an official Young Eagles certificate, which is signed, by your personal pilot and our Chairman Harrison Ford.

We look forward to adding your name to the ever-growing list of EAA Young Eagles!

For more information, visit the EAA Young Eagles Website. http://www.youngeagles.org/


The program

The EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people, ages 8 - 17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.

Since 1992, more than 1.25 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight through the program. Young Eagles have been registered in more than 90 different countries and have been flown by nearly 40,000 volunteer pilots.

Participation is easy. Simply contact the EAA Young Eagles office to find the closest volunteer pilot. From there, arrange a convenient time to go flying. We hope you enjoy a Young Eagles introduction to the exciting world of aviation. Make sure you come back to visit this web site after your flight to continue exploring the wonderful world of aviation!