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Sky is the limit
Published 8:00pm Thursday, January 26, 2012For Eagle Scouts, “anything is possible,” according to Bob Baird, president of the Niles Experimental Aircraft Association.
And for six area Eagle Scouts involved in the newly formed Aviation Explorer Post 865, the sky is the limit — literally.
Not only will the boys get experience with flight simulators, but the goal is to get them flying and even constructing their own aircraft.
The post held its first meeting Wednesday night at the Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport in Niles and had ground schooling on aerodynamics, examined an experimental aircraft and began plans to construct their own — a single-seat Mini-Max.
One of the scouts, Gus Ludwig, 17, said he has experience flying but is excited to construct his own aircraft.
“It’s definitely a cool hobby if not a future career,” he said.
The program is open to youth ages 14 to 20 with interest in aviation. Baird said there are still openings in the program, which is led by local pilots.
Baird said the aircraft construction project will pad the youths’ resumes.
“It’s the ultimate home-build project,” he said. “You can build anything if you can build an airplane.”
For more information on the program, contact Baird at (574) 339-9991.
Along with 27 merit badges, I achieved the “Eagle Scout” award at the age of 13, Then went on to acquire the Bronze, Silver, and Gold palms, and The “Oder of the Arrow” before I lost interest at 14. Had I been given the opportunity to sign up for a program teaching aerodynamics, and the chance to build experimental aircraft, I would have remained interested for years beyond. I am now 63 y.o., and would love to offer my knowledge, and assistance in a program like this. I have many hours flying, and working with different experimental aircraft.