BRODHEAD — Launched in 1992, the Young Eagles program has dedicated more than 25 years to giving youth ages 8 to 17 their first ride in an airplane.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, the Experimental Aircraft Association Cheeseland Chapter #431 in Brodhead will host another Young Eagles rally at the Monroe Municipal Airport.

“It’s the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation,” said Joe Snow, vice president and Young Eagles coordinator. “More than 2 million young people have enjoyed a free introductory flight through the Young Eagles program. These flights are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.”

The event will happen rain or shine but the flight is weather dependent.

“If we are not able to fly on Sept. 14, the flight will be rescheduled,” Snow said. “We always will get a registered youth in the air one day or another.” 

Once the youth is registered, one of the chapter members will provide an overview of what to expect during the flight.

“While on the ground the youth will learn about the controls, the pilot will explain what will happen during the flight, talk about the airplane, review an aeronautical chart (or map), and complete a careful walk-around preflight inspection of the airplane,” explained Snow. “Just before takeoff the pilot will explain the interior of the airplane, including the operation of the aircraft door, safety belts and instrument panel.”

The flight will last between 15 and 20 minutes.

“While in the air, the pilot may let the youth take the controls, they may fly over their town, their home or downtown Monroe,” Snow said. “They will experience the pure beauty of this land and the joy of flight.”

Once back on the ground, the rider is welcome to ask questions about the flight.

“The pilots are always more than happy to share more about their flying experiences and about his or her particular airplane,” laughed Snow. “The youth also will get an official Young Eagles logbook with a personal code to activate the free EAA student membership and Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course.”

Snow shared that several Young Eagles have loved the experience and have pursued a pilot’s license.

“You never know what that spark will be,” said Snow, who is a retired firefighter and said he has always loved airplanes. “My father had a friend who had a plane.” 

The members of Chapter #431 also partner with the Monroe Morning Optimist Club for the Young Eagles Program.

“The Optimist members who sell the best cheese curds during Cheese Days also help us with registering Young Eagles and serve as ambassadors to the program,” said Snow, who is also a member of the Optimist Club. “The Junior Optimist members host a bake sale.”

The EAA members of #431 will take care of all of the paperwork so that the youth will receive an EAA student membership, and if they continue on to the next step, they will receive free ground school, the flight lesson is paid for, and they also can apply for scholarships.

“This is more than just a plane ride,” Snow said, who owns a 1946 Cessna 140 and will be one of the pilots on Sept. 14. 

His plane is a single-engine, two-seat, conventional landing gear, light general aviation aircraft that entirely made of metal that was first produced in 1946, immediately following the end of World War II. 

Snow also is working on a personal flight goal of landing at each of the 120 public-use airports in Wisconsin. So far, he has landed at 72.

Each year, EAA Cheeseland Chapter #431 also hosts three fly-in events, a Community Pancake Breakfast, a three-day Pietenpol/Hatz Convention in July, and a private three-day gathering of the Midwest Antique Airplane Club in September. For a relief from cabin fever, the members also hold a Groundhog Chili Ski Fly-In on the first Saturday in February.

For more information about the Young Eagles Program, contact Joe Snow at 715-225-0282.