Kids, ages 8 to 17, will have a chance to fly over Mesquite with pilots from Salt Lake City Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 23 on April 16 at the Mesquite Airport. Photo submitted.

Kids, ages 8 to 17, will have a chance to fly over Mesquite with pilots from Salt Lake City Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 23 on April 16 at the Mesquite Airport. Photo submitted.

Ever wondered what it is like to fly, what Mesquite looks like from “up there,” or maybe you’re curious how airplanes work, or thought about being a pilot?  If you are nodding your head yes and are between the ages of 8 and 17, then keep reading.

Your big chance to find the answers to your questions is on Saturday, April 16h from 8 – 11 a.m. at the Mesquite Airport.  These flights, provided on a first-come first-served basis, are limited so get there early with a parent or guardian (and don’t forget your camera).

For the tenth year, Salt Lake City Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 23 will host a “Young Eagles” event.  Salt Lake pilots along with local pilots will share their airplanes, their experience, and their love-of-flight to encourage young, curious minds.

And for everyone young and old there will be other events to enjoy.  Hot rods, motorcycles, and fire trucks;  remote-controlled aircraft demonstrations; a local “kids chamber music group” will perform; the skydivers will be coloring the sky; and the Mesquite Showgirls will be there to help things along.

A special thanks to the City of Mesquite for co-hosting this event as well as Karen Ransdell of Highland Estates and Mike Black of Beaver Dam Golf Course for providing accommodations for the visiting pilots.

So what is an EAA Young Eagles Flight like?

On the ground you and your adult guardian will be assigned to an EAA Safety Person (SP) who will answer any questions you have about the parts of an airplane and what to expect on your flight.

Just before take-off  your SP takes you to the airplane, introduces you to your pilot, helps you buckle in and describes the interior of the airplane.

In the air you have a whole new view of Mesquite.  The flight lasts between 15 and 20 minutes and if you are like most Young Eagles, you will remember this experience for the rest of your life.

Back on the ground there’s more time for you to ask questions.  And ask away.  Your pilot, SP, and other EAA members are happy to tell you more about flying; the particular airplane you flew in; other careers in aviation like mechanic, air traffic control, or working at airports.  You also receive an official Young Eagles certificate, signed by your personal pilot, and your name is added to a long list of EAA Young Eagles in the World’s Largest Logbook at EAA headquarters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

For more information on the Young Eagles Program go to:  www.youngeagles.org/

So, for a fun morning, come to the Mesquite Airport on April 16.