EAA Chapter 1218 holds “Learn to Fly” event

Saturday, September 19 was a perfect day in Willow Springs for our Flying Start “Learn to Fly” event.  Attendees came from several area towns, some an hour away.  We had six walk-ins, along with the twelve pre-registered for a total of eighteen excited to learn where to take that first step.  We also had one return from last year still eager to learn more.  Fourteen were given Eagle Rides and there were also five Young Eagles flown.  Several chapter members were on hand to share their aviation story.  The instructors were available for questions.   The participants were given the opportunity to walk among the variety of aircraft on display before receiving their Eagle Flight.

In attendance were two of our newest chapter members (father and son) Ryan and Cinch Liggett.  They joined at our May 2019 Flying Start. Ryan joined the Ozark Aviators Flying Club and started flight lessons in the club’s Cessna 172.  He completed his first solo flight on September 11, 2020.  His instructor, Paul Guiley, used the gathering as an opportunity to perform the traditional removal of the shirt tail.  Cinch, now fifteen, is taking flight lessons in the Ozark Aviators Flying Club Cessna 150.  He has been awarded a scholarship from the Memphis Soaring Society and is taking soaring lessons at their facility at Cherry Valley, AR.  Both were great role models for our participants.  

Our attendees were a well-rounded group, men and women in all age groups and passionate about learning to fly.  One purchased a ground school course that very evening.  Several plan to begin flight training, join our next chapter gathering and become chapter members.  It was an enjoyable day for all involved.  Chapter members participating in the event were John Bailey, Willow Springs, Andrew Craner, West Plains, Mike Ennis, Eminence, Paul Guiley, Tecumseh, Brent Humphreys, West Plains, Ryan and Cinch Liggett, Eminence, Robert Palmer, Vanzant, Allan Rineman, Willow Springs, Troy Witte, West Plains, Tom and Phyllis White, Willow Springs and Tom Young, Alton.

For more information about EAA Chapter 1218, visit: https://chapters.eaa.org/eaa1218, email: eaachapter1218@gmail.com, call 417 233-1218 or visit our Facebook page EAA 1218