Young Eagles Published Nov. 20, 2012 By 2nd Lt. David J. Tart 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Members from Laughlin worked with the local community to support the Young Eagles program at Del Rio International Airport Nov. 17. The program began in 1992 to give interested young people, ages 8 to 17 years old, the opportunity to fly in a general aviation aircraft free of charge through the support of the Experimental Aircraft Association and its member volunteers. "The idea behind the Young Eagles is to instill the passion for flight and a desire to pursue future flight," said 1st Lt. Jonathan Forsyth, an instructor pilot with the 85th Flying Training Squadron. Forsyth also said that the Young Eagles takes place every few months and depends on volunteers. Local pilots are the ones who donate their time, aircraft and money to allow the youth a 10-minute flight. "As cliché as it sounds, we want the kids to defy and slip the surly bonds of gravity for a moment," said Forsyth. As this is the first flight for many of the children. they are apprehensive at first, so the pilots do a preflight check with them. As they enter the aircraft an expression of uncertainty is still present. As the planes started their engines, it coaxed a few smiles from the children. When the aircraft landed everyone who was in the plane had a grin from ear to ear. "The reaction of the kids is what is important. They are really excited about this and so are we," said Forsyth. "We all hope this is a milestone in their lives that marks the first of many flights in aviation." The education goes beyond just the one flight. As the children exited the aircraft they had the opportunity to look at model airplanes, watch a video on aviation and take a tour of the airport. Outside of trying to instill the love of flight into children, the Young Eagle program has a deeper community impact. As pilots from the base and community come together to provide the children with this opportunity. "It is a great program to improve the relationship with the community," said Forsyth. "We have pilots coming out from every squadron on base meeting pilots from the community to give something to the youth who might not usually get this opportunity." For those who are interested in participating in a Young Eagles flight or being a part of the local chapter, contact 1st Lt. Jonathan Forsyth at 298-5162 for further details.