First Fly-In of the Season Held

The Experimental Aviation Association (EAA) hosted its First Fly-In of the season this weekend at the Riverside Airport.

Pilots and the public were invited to fly in or drive in and enjoy all you can eat pancakes and sausage. Almost 40 planes flew in early Saturday morning. The day also featured free Young Eagle airplane rides for children ages eight through 17. President of EAA Chuck Bruckelmeyer said it’s important to get the youth interested in flying.

“Well to develop an interest in flight, I mean i’m getting older, all the pilots are getting older we need to encourage young people to get involved in flying, ” said Bruckelmeyer.

He said that anyone who might be afraid to take flight for the first time should face the fear and come out to experience a whole new perspective on the local area.

“Come out and try it, you’ll never regret it,” said Bruckelmeyer. “I’ve never had anybody no matter how scared they were when i first took them up never had anybody that came down and said they wish they hadn’t gone. ”

The next Fly-In will be hosted at Riverside Airport on June 20. Free airplane rides will be offered again based on favorable weather conditions and pilot availability. The event is open to the public.