Article and Photos By Ted Luebbers
The Experimental Aviation Association Chapter 534 held a successful Flying Start Program at the Leesburg International Airport in Leesburg FL on May 18, 2024.
The Flying Start Program is designed to acquaint people with the information they need before considering whether or not to become a licensed private pilot.
It is hoped that after completion of this program the adult participants will go on to enroll in a flying school of their choice and begin learning how to fly a plane.
The Flying Start program is similar to the EAA program called Young Eagles, but is designed for adults age 18 and above.
It starts out with a classroom get-together during which topics such as an introduction to the Experimental Aviation Association and its goals, what is the difference between a Light Sport license and a Private Pilot’s License, how much will it cost, and the flight training process.
Several Chapter EAA pilots discussed why they became pilots, and why they enjoy the freedom and pleasure they get from flying.
The moderator and other chapter members are available to answer questions from the group or on a one-to-one basis during the event.
The presentation is enhanced with a PowerPoint presentation and a video.
After the classroom presentation, those wishing to take a demonstration flight with one of the chapter’s pilots fill out the necessary paperwork and are assigned to a pilot and plane.
These flights are free, as is the presentation. Flights last about 30 minutes.
During the flight, the participant may be given the chance to get the feel of handling the plane by taking the controls under instruction and the watchful eye of the EAA pilot.
John Weber, EAA Chapter 534 Vice President and Light Sport Certified Flight Instructor moderated the event.
Personal reasons to fly were explored by Weber, Mike Hage, chapter president and Judie Betz, chapter secretary.
Ten Eagles took in all this information and experienced what it was like to fly in a small single-engine general aviation aircraft.
Five EAA Chapter 534 pilots volunteered their time, planes and fuel to cap off the program.
It was interesting to note that all of the participants were parents or relatives of recent Young Eagles. Apparently, their excitement about flying was infectious at home.
All those who took part in this day’s event will automatically become EAA National members for six months and receive digital copies of EAA’s Sport Aviation magazine.
Chapter 534 holds a Flying Start event each year in May.
It is the fervent hope that those who took part in the Flying Start event this day will go on to become pilots.
If you would like more information about EAA National you may go to the following website, < www.eaa.org >.
For more information about EAA Chapter 534, go to their website at, < www.eaachapter534.org >.
