Flying Young Eagles page 2

Before our flight, I took Cherokee and her dad around the airplane and discussed the difference between a tailwheel airplane and a nosewheel. We also briefly went over the flight controls again:

We climbed aboard, and as we taxied out, I explained to Cherokee what to expect during the flight. I explained that there may be "little bumps in the air" that she may feel and that it was perfectly normal. As we lifted off I could see her tensing up a bit as her hands were gripping the tops of her legs, but then as we levelled off at 1500' and headed south to the beach, she relaxed quite a bit and started looking around looking for landmarks in the town she lives in (Bay St. Louis, MS) as it went by under us. "Hey look, there's the Walmart, and hey there's the High School".  

After we turned west to parallel the beach line, I let her fly for a minute but she wasn't into it and wanted to just enjoy the scenery. We circled the perimeter of Bay St. Louis and returned to the airport to land. After the flight, Cherokee received her Young Eagles certificate signed by me and Harrison Ford:  

During the flight, Cherokee told me this was a long time dream of hers. Glad I could fulfill a childs dream to one day fly above it all.

My next Young Eagle was Riley, another 17 year old high school senior:

Next up was Robert, a 14 year old freshman:

Both of the boys, readily took the controls and flew for about 1/2 the mission, doing turns, etc.

Once all the Young Eagles had taken their ride, we took a group picture with the pilots and the eagles.:

I think (hope) that we ignited some interest in aviation in a few of these young people.  They are our future and we need them to carry the torch.

After the flying was done, we grilled a bunch of hot dogs and hamburgers under the big Oak tree and just enjoyed some good company:

Another great flying day thanks to my Bearhawk.
 

By the way, wife Michelle was here and actually rode along in the back seat on each flight, however she's not pictured here because she is the one behind the camera.

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