MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) is gearing up to host Young Eagles Day on Saturday, August 3, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Organized by MGW and local members of the Experimental Aircraft Association Inc. (EAA), this event will offer free airplane rides to children ages 8 to 17, with parental or guardian consent.
Last year’s event saw over 110 kids participate, and this year, Young Eagles Coordinator Ritchard Judy hopes to reach the maximum attendance of 225 children.
Families from as far away as Washington, D.C. have already started registering.
Young Eagles Day has been a tradition at Morgantown Municipal Airport for over a decade.
It allows local EAA pilots to share their passion for aviation with the next generation, inspiring interest in careers in aviation and the 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 highlights the airport and its facilities to young people and their families. It promotes the importance of aviation infrastructure and its role in our local economy and transportation network.”
During the flights, participants will view Morgantown landmarks like Mountaineer Field and the WVU Coliseum.
In addition to the airplane ride, children will learn about airplane functions, analyze aeronautical charts, and inspect equipment inside and outside the plane. Each flight lasts about 15 to 20 minutes and follows a typical flight pattern.
“By introducing kids to the aviation field at a young age, it piques their interest, and they can begin to take advantage of the opportunities available to them,” said Ritchard Judy.
“From pilots to mechanics, air traffic controllers, and management, all roles are important, and we aim to lead future generations to this career path.”
The EAA launched the Young Eagles program in 1992 with the goal of providing 1 million kids their first airplane ride by the 100th anniversary of powered flight in 2003.
Since then, the program has thrived, with over 2.3 million youth experiencing their first flight.
Local EAA members volunteer their time and aircraft for the event.
All participating pilots are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration or Transport Canada and adhere to federal regulations. No aerobatic maneuvers will be performed.
The event is free to the public, but online registration is recommended to avoid long lines.
On the day of the event, participants should check in at the terminal building near the baggage claim area and rental car agencies.
To register, click here.
