NC West Virginia News

The Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) is set to host Young Eagles Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 3. As part of the event, MGW and local members of the Experimental Aircraft Association Inc. (EAA) will provide free airplane rides to children ages 8 to 17 with parental or guardian consent.

Last year's event saw over 110 children in attendance. This year, Young Eagles Coordinator Ritchard Judy hopes to reach the maximum attendance of 225 children. Families have already begun registering for this year's event, some coming from as far away as Washington, DC.

This event, which has been occurring at the Morgantown Municipal Airport for over ten years, allows local pilots of the EAA to share their passion for flying and expose the next generation to careers in aviation and STEM fields.

"We love hosting the Young Eagles Day event every year," said Airport Director Jon Vrabel. "This event not only showcases the planes and pilots but also introduces young people and their families to the airport and its facilities. At the end of the day, this helps promote the importance of aviation infrastructure and its role in our local economy and transportation network."

During each flight, attendees will see various Morgantown landmarks including Mountaineer Field and the WVU Coliseum. In addition to airplane rides, participants will learn about airplane functions, analyze aeronautical charts, and inspect equipment both inside and outside of the plane. Each flight lasts about 15 to 20 minutes following a typical flight pattern.

“By introducing kids to aviation at a young age, it piques their interest,” said Ritchard Judy. “From pilots to mechanics, air traffic controllers to management, all roles are equally important, and we aim to lead future generations toward these career paths.”

The EAA conceived the Young Eagles program in 1992 with an initial goal of providing one million kids with their first free airplane ride by November 13, 2003—the centennial anniversary of powered flight. The program has since continued due to its popularity with over 2.3 million youth having experienced their inaugural flight.

The participating pilots are local EAA members volunteering their time and aircraft for this event. Each pilot is certified by either the Federal Aviation Administration or Transport Canada and conducts flights according to federal regulations without performing aerobatic maneuvers.

The event is free but pre-registration online is recommended to avoid standing in line on the day of the event. Participants should check in at the terminal building near baggage claim beside rental car agencies.

For registration: http://youngeaglesday.org/?11269

For more information or weather-related inquiries: contact organizers via email at 842youngeagles@gmail.com.

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