Future development depends on new pilots

A program to inspire young people to consider aviation as a career will be coming to Shawano for the Shawano Municipal Airport re-dedication Aug. 21.

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will bring the Young Eagles program to the event with the hope of inspiring young people to develop an interest in aviation, said Peter Thillman, chief economic development officer for the Shawano Economic Development Inc.

Through Young Eagles, youth ages 8-17 can take a free ride-along in a plane, as long as a parent is present on the grounds.

The EAA provides the liability insurance, Thillman said, and pilots volunteer their time.

Information supplied by the Shawano airport reports that to date, more than 2 million young people have become EAA Young Eagles.

The program is free, but participants need to fill out a registration form in advance of the flight.

Information on the EAA Young Eagles program and event registration are available on the EAA Young Eagles website at www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/free-ye-flights or through event coordinator Alan Timmerman, at 920-494-2669.

Young Eagles flights will be provided as time and available aircraft permit and only during the hours indicated. Sign-up is encouraged. Young Eagles flight registration will be available on site, but availability may be limited.

In addition to Young Eagles, Thillman said he hopes to see anyone with an interest in an aviation career come to the event to talk to pilots and others in the aviation industry. As with many industries, there is a need for workers, and jobs can cover everything from sales to engine maintenance, he said.