Young Eagles Rally leads some to aviation careers

Ever wondered what the sky and ground look like from a little airplane? Perhaps that view isn’t possible unless it involved deep pockets and bank loans. Another option exists Saturday morning as the Young Eagles Rally takes to the air for free airplane flights right here in Pahrump.

The free rides are limited to those at least 8 years old, and not yet 18 years old. The event takes place at Calvada Meadows Airpark, corner of Highway 160 and Simkins Road.

Every year the Pahrump Chapter 1160 of the Experimental Aircraft Association, in partnership with Henderson’s EAA Chapter 1300, hosts this Young Eagles Rally in Pahrump. At this event, interested young people can get a free 15 to 20 minute flight out of the Calvada Airpark, and see for themselves what the sky and ground in the Pahrump area look like from a different perspective.

Since 1992, EAA pilots nationally have provided 1.9 million Young Eagle flights in more than 90 countries. It’s a way for young prospective pilots to get a taste of flying free of charge. In years past, thousands of Young Eagles have later pursued aviation and eventually become private and even commercial pilots.

This Saturday each eagle will be given a hands-on introduction to flying, starting with a walk-around inspection of the plane. The eagle will learn the basic parts of the airplane and how the control surfaces work in flight. Then it’s “climb aboard” time, an introduction to the airplane controls, instruments and safety, with takeoff and flight.

Once in the air the eagle can follow along at the controls to get a sense for basic maneuvers, gentle climbs and descents and turns in the Pahrump area skyways. Then the flight heads back to the airpark for a landing and taxi back to the rally area.

After landing, the eagle may have further time with the pilot and get answers to questions or advice on pursuing a future career as a pilot. The eagle will be given a certificate making him or her an official “Young Eagle.”

Glenna Wagner of Pahrump, is president of Pahrump’s EAA Chapter 1160, a position she has held for almost seven years. “The chapter exists to bring together aviators and those interested in aviation, so they can share their flying and aircraft-building experience, and help those who are just interested in any aspects of aviation,” she said.

Wagner, and her husband Charlie, have much to offer the chapter as they have built two airplanes. The Pahrump EAA chapter meets most months and anyone interested in aviation is invited to attend. At each meeting someone will present something of interest to aviators.

Past presenters at the Pahrump EAA chapter have given information on the experiences they had making their airplanes, complete with tours and their building areas. Other speakers have addressed anything from aircraft flight safety, to descriptions of long cross-country flights, and many detailed aspects of building your own aircraft, documenting your building steps and procedures for having it certified for flight.

Wagner said there are about 25 families who are members and 20 visitor families in the chapter. “Thirteen of the members have either built or are building their own airplanes — others are pilots and some are just interested in aviation.”

She said the 2014 Young Eagles Rally will be the 11th one co-hosted in Pahrump by the EAA Pahrump and Henderson chapters. The number of Young Eagles flown each year has varied from 32 to a whopping 106. Charlie Wagner believes the huge fluctuation in numbers depends on what other events are competing for attendance.

Levi Gundacker, a Pahrump resident and Young Eagle of 2012 and 2013, said the most memorable part of his two eagle flights were with pilot Roger Hansen at the event in 2012.

Gundacker said after Hansen flew out of the aircraft traffic pattern at the airport and then the fun began.

“He maneuvered the airplane up and down and from side to side and it was really exciting, kind of like I was inside a jet in the old jet movies. I just found that really cool.”

He said he left the 2012 flight, thinking he would love to be a missionary pilot, but later felt God led him on another path.

Gundacker is interested in getting his private pilot license more for sport and entertainment and as a hobby rather than an occupation. He emphasized the eagle flights piqued his interest in aviation.

All pilots giving Young Eagle flights are rated and current for the airplane they fly. Each airplane used has an airworthiness certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. Most of the airplanes will have a single engine.

To attend Pahrump’s EAA Young Eagles Rally, come to the Calvada Meadows Airpark at the southeast corner of Highway 160 and Simkins Road on Oct. 4, this Saturday.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and closes at 12 noon. A parent or other guardian must be with the Young Eagle the entire time they’re at the rally.

Bottled water and portable toilets are available. You may wish to bring chairs, as there may be some waiting after registration. In the event of bad weather, for example, high winds or rain, the event will be canceled.

Peter Davis is a member of EAA Chapter 1160, Pahrump.