Article and Photos By Ted Luebbers
Who would have ever thought a hangar at the Leesburg International Airport, in Leesburg Florida, would be an exciting place for kids of all ages to hang out.
It was a busy day inside and outside the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 534 hangar on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
On this day, 12 young people, accompanied by their parents, eagerly swarmed into the EAA Chapter 534 hangar to work on several aviation projects.
They got to spend some time experiencing how to fly a plane using the two flight simulators in the chapter office under the watchful eye of two chapter pilots.
Others worked on building a radio-controlled model airplane and helped refurbish the old wing tips of a Cessna 150.
At lunchtime tables and chairs were set up in the middle of the hangar and young and old were treated to Pizza.
This is part of an aviation youth program the chapter offers to young people in the greater Leesburg and Lake County area.
EAA Chapter 534 believes that the way to reach young people and kindle an interest in some form of aerospace is to start them early in life by inviting them to take part in aviation activities.
This chapter has had success in producing new private pilots over the past few years.
By having an aviation youth program called Squadron 534 and immersing young people in various aviation projects this chapter has produced 4 new Private Pilots, and 2 more waiting for their check ride. This is the final step before being granted a Private Pilot license.
Candidates from their youth activities are invited to apply for the Ray Aviation Scholarships that are granted by the National EAA and administered by local chapters.
These scholarships will provide substantial funding for young people to receive flight training at a flight school of their choice.
Once a month EAA Chapter 534 provides free flights for young people ages 8 to 17. These flights take place at the Leesburg International Airport on the first Saturday of the month and are called Young Eagles Rallies.
Kids who become Young Eagles also have access to a free Sporty’s Pilot Shop Learn to Fly online course. This course will provide the basic curriculum flight students need to know in order to pass the Federal Aviation Administration written exam.
If the student successfully passes the exam, EAA will pay for the cost of the test. Furthermore, EAA will also pay for a free flight lesson at a flight school of their choice.
If you know of a young person who would like to take a flight in a small single-engine aircraft and experience the joy of flying, make a reservation at www.eaachapters.org.
Many local airports in the US and Canada have EAA Chapters that offer this program.
If you would like more information about National EAA or EAA Chapter 534 you may go to the following websites, www.eaa.org or www.eaachapter534.org .
EAA invites young and old to come join in the fun.
