By Jim Roberts
On opening day of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, members of the Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA) gathered to christen the new Charles W. Harris Youth Aviation Center. The facility houses workstations, tools, and exhibits, all designed to open the world of aviation to the next generation. Named for the late Charles “Charlie” W. Harris, the center honors his contributions to the vintage aircraft world, including stints as VAA director and heading up the popular Vintage in Review program held daily at the VAA Red Barn.
Resembling an aircraft hangar, the 2,400-square-foot insulated and air-conditioned building can house aircraft the size of a Piper Cub or biplane. In the spacious new facility sited just south of the VAA Red Barn, youngsters can gather and learn without outdoor distractions.
VAA President Susan Dusenbury said there are ample hands-on learning opportunities. “Simple things, like the basic components of an engine and how to use things like screwdrivers and drills. And we teach them how to make an electrical circuit with battery power, and a light will come on.” There’s even a table where kids can craft a cellphone holder from sheet metal, all under the guidance of VAA volunteers.
Besides teaching basic building skills, Susan emphasized a more profound goal: “We want these kids to have a feeling of community and values like personal integrity, friendship, patriotism, communication skills, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging.” When asked how you go about this, she replied, “To build character, you have to have people in there with character.” To that end, VAA has enlisted A.C. Hutson and his wife, Sue, to lead the program. Recently retired from Delta Air Lines, A.C. was instrumental in the success of the late Ron Alexander’s Youth Aviation Program at Peach State Aerodrome.
The VAA youth education program has adopted the slogan, “Dream it and let your spirit soar,” a sentiment reflected in the eager young faces thronging the center on opening day. The operation is funded through donations and VAA resources. During AirVenture, donors can visit the VAA Red Barn to purchase an engraved brick, which will be placed outside the new building’s hangar door. You can also donate via EAAVintage.org, or send a check to: VAA, P.O. Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI 54903. On the memo line of the check, write, “For Youth Building.”
All donations are tax-deductible.