MASON - Earlier on Saturday morning in the City of Mason, the National EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) hosted their annual Young Eagles Aviation event. This event takes place on the 2nd Saturday of each month from June-August. The program allows young kids to fly in planes that seat up to 3 people with volunteer pilots in designated areas of the sky.

The program was first founded in Oshkosh Wisconsin in 1992, and this year is marking the 25th anniversary of the event. It's the only of its kind, with a mission inspire and introduce the youth to the skies and the world of aviation as the young pilots get to sit in the cockpit during each ride. During each flight the pilot teaches the young pilots the controls within the planes and lets them control and fly the plane for a short period of time during their 20-minute flight sessions.

Pilots at the event explain their airplanes, how airplanes work, and how pilots ensure safety - which is the prime concern before every flight.

Once the young pilots land after their flights, they then report to one of the nearby hanger bays to receive their aviation certificate along with a gift bag which includes a log book for each time they go up in the air, who their pilot is, and what type of plane they flew in.

Everything about this program is free of charge and any donations made to the program strictly goes towards making the experience an even more enjoyable time for the kids and their families that attend. Again everyone that works this amazing program are all volunteers, looking to introduce and inspire the youth in possibly joining the world of aviation when they get older.

Last summer the National EAA Young Eagles Aviation, Chapter 55 flew over 340 kids and the program itself has flown over 2 million kids since it first started in 1992. The program has had the young pilots and their families return for flights several times over the summer, which goes to show how much of an impact the program has on the kids and their families.

So if you missed this months Young Eagles Aviation event, there's no worries there as they are hosting this event two more times this summer (weather permitting). Be sure to get there early though, as registrations fill up quickly the day of the events. Any questions about the event, be sure to visit the National EAA Site and contact Margie Clark who is the director of the annual event in the mid Michigan area.