By Neil Bowden, EAA 565560, EAA Chapter 322 President
There was great excitement, not only amongst the children, but also amongst our pilots, marshals, and admin crew as our first Young Eagles Day since the COVID pandemic approached. Chapter 322’s newly appointed Young Eagles coordinator Warren Lovell, EAA 1508049, took charge of the event with the help of many very enthused chapter members. The airfield, Brakpan Benoni Aerodrome, was chosen due to its good runway and clubhouse facilities as well as an enthusiastic group of members keen to get behind EAA for this rewarding event.
The children were selected from two schools that actively promote aviation through their aviation societies: Pretoria Boys High and St. Declan’s. Children also joined from the 1st Springs Scout Group as well as some who had heard about the Young Eagles program through word of mouth.
Weather on the day was clear, windless, and hot! Aircraft included two helicopters, Slings, a Citabria, RV-8s and an RV-10, a Cessna 170, a Piper Arrow, a Jabiru 2, and a Jabiru 4. Fifty-one excited children were flown, an exercise that was well-planned and safely executed!