Registration opens Saturday, March 23, for the free airplane rides that will be provided for children ages 8 to 17 during an Airport Open House and Young Eagles Rally scheduled for this summer at Danville Regional Airport.
The event will be held on Saturday, June 22. Advance registration is required for children to ride. Parent/legal guardian approval and signature also is required. The registration period will be open through Friday, June 21.
To register, go to www.youngeaglesday.com.
The open house and rally are being held to promote aviation awareness.
Young Eagle rallies are held nationwide by local aircraft chapters. Danville Regional Airport has hosted Young Eagles rallies in the past. During the last event in Danville, approximately 200 children received free rides.
A chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association in Apex, N.C., is coordinating the event. It is anticipated that 10 or more pilots including local pilots would be involved with offering free flights for children.
Also as part of the open house, tours and educational activities would be provided by airport staff, the Civil Air Patrol, Averett University Flight Center, and General Aviation Inc.
The Virginia Department of Aviation is providing a $7,500 grant for the event. As part of the grant agreement, City Council has approved a local share of $7,500 in matching funds for the event. The money will pay for aviation fuel, advertising, and refreshments.
A rain date is planned for the following Saturday on June 29.