International Learn to Fly Day

[Hangar10]

So, what is everyone planning for Learn to Fly Day? We had a really good event in 2011, but we were hampered a bit in 2012 by the weather. We are pulling out all the stops this year in the hopes that we have several hundred people again and nice spring weather.

One thing that we found that works really well is to have a registration table where people check in before they fly. This gives us a chance to brief them on the flight and issue them a boarding pass. The boarding pass (see below) has pilot and aircraft information on the front and a small chart on the back so they can orient themselves during the flight... a quick lesson on pilotage that most find interesting.

The ladies at our registration table assign the flight number, which helps us keep a count on the actual number of flights (head count is determined by waivers). The passenger is then directed to our flight line personnel at the control point, who will then assign them to an available pilot. The flight line lead or pilot completes the information on the boarding pass and pilot escorts the passenger to their aircraft. Once the flight is complete, the passenger is escorted to the registration table (by the pilot) to exchange their boarding pass for a Learn to Fly Day certificate, which the pilot signs and then returns to the rotation. It may sound complicated, but it actually goes a long way in keeping things orderly and moving efficiently... not to mention that it gives the plots a chance to stretch their legs and grab a cold drink.

While this event has normally been to encourage adults to come out and fly, we never turn away Young Eagles. This year we will be focusing on both Eagle and Young Eagle flights and we will be issuing the appropriate certificates.



In addition to the regular flights, we will also have an EAA Membership booth where we will display and share information about EAA to include brochures, magazines, etc. Another thing that was a big hit in the past was our AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) display. We have recruited the help of some very knowledgeable R/C club members who will display some examples of various R/C aircraft and we will also be running the Real Flight simulator on a 50" screen for everyone to try. We considered cordoning off an area for electric flight demonstrations, but we figured that we would see how the AMA booth goes over and if people have an interest we can direct them to several local R/C cubs for a more in depth introduction. AMA has provided us with materials to deck out our display as well. For many of us, AMA and modeling is where we got our start. EAA and AMA have been making an effort to combine forces however we can in order to encourage modeling and teach valuable skills... let's represent both organizations whenever we can!

We will also have an A&P display with a couple of engines and components on display, as well as a couple of A&Ps to field questions.

Last but not least, a flight training booth where local flight instructors will be on hand to answer questions and encourage people to come take and intro flight with them.

We will also be serving hot dogs, chips and cold lemonade and tea. In addition to our flight aircraft we will have several static examples of ultralight, light sport, home built, experimental and certified aircraft. We should even have at least one example of an aircraft that is under construction but nearing completion for people to look at. If any of you know anyone in the Tulsa area that would like to attend, tell them to mark their calendar for Saturday, May 18... we will be flying from 10am - 1pm or so. We would be glad to see them!

I hope this helps to get the ol gears turning! We need to be spreading the word about our sport and encouraging as many as we can to get involved or at least to have a better understanding of what we do. Fire up your volunteers and share your hobby with your neighbors! Speaking of sharing, we can all learn something from each other's successes and failures... let us know what your group does to encourage participation in your flying events, and what you plan to do on Learn to Fly Day!

[Bill Greenwood]

Why do you limit this to only 3 hours? Is it weather related?

[Hangar10]

A few may stick around to run longer if there are people wanting to fly, but it really depends on the pilots and volunteer support. We ran four hours a couple of years ago and everyone was pretty well tuckered out. In that 4 hours we flew 124 people and logged ~150 flights... a Breezy enticed many to fly more than once. In addition, many have other things to do on a Saturday, so in order to encourage participation we set reasonable hours of operation.

How long does your group operate?

[Bill Greenwood]

A few years back they did Young Eagle flights at the annual airport open house day at Boulder. It was run by an IAC man who was the pres of the EAA chapter at Erie, a nearby town and airport.
At the advertised closing time, about noon, he got up from the sign in table and left, despite a couple of us pointing out that there were kids waiting in line, and no weather problems.
I and another man came in and flew or tried to fly the rest of the kids.

The next two years the guy from Erie scheduled an event at his airport to conflict with ours, and we could not get them to help out.
We did one more year, probably went from 9 am to about 2:30 or as long as I thought I could fly safely. We could not get any official chapter to join us so are not doing it anymore, sad to say.

[Hangar10]

Our group has held three Young Eagles events this year already (two for BSA merit badges and another for a local youth academy) and we have two public events scheduled in the coming weeks, not counting LTF day. Our chapter goal for YEs is 200 this year... we already have ~70 flights.

[Hangar10]

No one else planning for this event?