Pilots to offer free flights for young people

Individuals ages 8-17 are invited to take to the skies at the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter No. 315 Young Eagles Flight Rally set to begin at 10 a.m. on June 9 at Old Bridge Airport, 182 Pension Road. Rain date is June 10.

Volunteer pilots will be on hand to explain how airplanes fly and how to ensure that safety is the primary consideration before each flight.

Interested young people will be able to take an orientation flight at no charge. Following the free flight, participants will receive a certificate making them official Young Eagles Flight members. The youngsters' names will then be entered into the "World's Largest Logbook," which is on permanent display at the EAA Air Adventure Museum, Oshkosh, Wis.

Registration will begin at 10 a.m. and close at 1 p.m. Flights will begin soon after registration opens.

Hot dogs and soft drinks will be available at a nominal fee to cover costs, but all flights are free of charge and voluntary on the part of the pilots involved.

A registration form signed by a parent or guardian is required.

In the event that a parent or guardian cannot be present at the event, forms will be available in advance.

Only young people ages 8-17 may participate in the program.

Parents and other visitors may be accommodated with a flight if time and available pilots permit.

For more information, a registration form or directions to the airport, call Bob Hartmaier at (732) 521-3069 or (732) 599-2099.

The rally is part of the EAA Aviation Education Foundation's Young Eagles program designed to inform youth about general aviation and recreational flying. The original goal was to provide 1 million young people with an airplane ride by the end of 2003, the 100th anniversary of powered flight and the 50th anniversary of the EAA.

The goal was achieved, and the program was so successful that it has been continued.

Volunteer EAA members also conduct Young Eagles flights individually. Interested young people who are unable to attend the June 9 rally may log on to www.eaa.org or call Bob Hartmaier for more information.