Saturday's EAA Airport Fun Day a huge success

The Lincoln Regional Airport was alive with the laughter from youngsters Saturday as they explored the wonders of aviation. The EAA Fun Day was hosted by the airport's Experimental Aircraft Association chapter 1541 and included inspecting numerous aircraft (several built by local pilots), flying aviation simulators, talking to pilots, watching aircraft taxi by and take off and land, and enjoying a free hot dog lunch. "Today's youth are the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals and we want to get them excited about everything aviation. We also want parents to think about the opportunities in aviation for their sons and daughters. Working with youngsters is a core element of the EAA," said chapter President Scott Thompson. "This is a way to give back to the community and we appreciate the city of Lincoln working with us to put this on." The free event drew several hundred youngsters and their families from Lincoln, Rocklin and Roseville. The Experimental Aircraft Association will host a Young Eagles flying event May 4 at the airport. The Young Eagles program is a nation-wide effort to acquaint youth aged 12 to 18 and their parents with aviation by giving the youngsters an airplane ride. More than 2 million Young Eagles have flown in the program since its inception in 1992 The Young Eagle event is free but participants must pre-register at https://youngeaglesday.org/?247.