Rochester International Airport to host Young Eagles Rally Saturday

(ABC 6 News) – Rochester International Airport (RST) will host a Young Eagles Rally on Saturday.

The free event is in partnership with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Southeast Minnesota Chapter 100.

The rally is for ages 8 to 17 and will be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Signature Flight Support building, adjacent to RST main building at 7300 Brataas Dr. SW.

The event will offer education and free aircraft rides to help inspire the next generation into aviation.

“Inspiring interest in aviation is the purpose of the Young Eagle flights, the program is the only one of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce young people in the world of aviation,” said Dan Crandall, EAA member and coordinator of the event. “Volunteer pilots will give overviews of their aircraft and flight including review of aeronautical maps, preflight inspection of the aircraft, control instruments, and identification of ground reference points during the flight. Flights will last about 15-20 minutes and after landing there will be time for questions.”

Founded in 1992, the Young Eagles program is dedicated to giving youth an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane.

Flights are free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.

All Young Eagle pilots are members of the EAA and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration or Transport Canada.

Over 2.3 million young people throughout EAA chapters worldwide have participated in the program. Y

Young Eagles are registered in more than 90 countries and have been flown by 40,000 volunteer pilots.

Registration is required in advance or day of the event. More information can be found HERE.