The Virginia Aviation Ambassadors Program is putting on a relay for pilots to visit 66 public-use airports, receive a stamp and contribute to the education of youth.
Pilots participating in the relay fly with a stuffed teddy bear, the Virginia Ambassador Program mascot —Virginia Airheart — to one or more of the 66 airports and leave it for the next pilot to transport.
Stephen Cabiory, EAA 1156002, organized the event with planning committee members Fred Rollins, EAA 1563; Christopher Miller, EAA 186; and EAA Chapter 231 members Barry Toole, EAA 619395, and Danny Arkin, EAA 590618.
“I came up with the relay idea to give pilots a reason to fly,” Stephen said. “There’s no requirement that it be a direct handoff. Right now she’s sitting in a terminal in Franklin waiting for her next pilot. Pilots sign up to do this. When she [the bear] becomes available, then we put the word out that this is where she is and this is where she hasn’t been yet.”
Each pilot participating in the relay contributes $40. Stephen said all proceeds will go to education programs through the Virginia Aviation Council.
As an extra initiative, pilots can also collect stamps along the way.
“The Virginia Board of Aviation has an ambassador program where you go to airports and get a stamp and after so many stamps you get a hat, and after you’ve been to all of them you get an embroidered leather jacket,” Stephen said.
On May 5, a fly-in to Richmond International Airport (KRIC) was held for the opening ceremony of the relay. Stephen said the purpose of the opening ceremony was to generate interest in the event.
So far, 40 pilots have signed up to participate and 12 airports have already been visited.
Stephen said this was the first year they have done this relay and he is hoping to make it an annual event.
“There has been tremendous enthusiasm and some amazing poetry written in the logbook documenting Virginia’s travels,” Stephen said. “Many have truly embraced Virginia with a bear hug and are having fun.”
To find out more information, or to participate in the relay, visit the Virginia Aviation Council website or follow Virginia Airheart on Facebook.