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Free flights offered to youngsters on Saturday

ELKINS — Young flight enthusiasts are invited to a free event at the Elkins-Randolph County Regional Airport on Saturday.

Beginning at 2 p.m., the Experimental Aircraft Association will be offering free flights for youngsters between the ages of eight and 17.

This opportunity is open to youth who are interested in learning about planes and going on a short, 30-minute flight.

Jack Pappas, member of EAA, said, “Before you go up you inspect the aircraft, so the kids go with you when you do that – you show them what to look for.”

The Experimental Aircraft Association is a non-profit organization that was originally founded to promote private aviation, Pappas said.

Founded in Wisconsin in 1953, the group now has 100,000 members in more than 100 countries.

The association’s mission is dedicated to growing participation in aviation.

“We strive to make aviation easier, more accessible, more rewarding, and more fun — igniting and nurturing interest by embracing ‘The Spirit of Aviation’ in all that we do,” the official web page states.

The Elkins Chapter of EAA asks for Young Eagles to arrive at the airport passenger terminal with an adult who can grant them permission for their flight, Pappas said. Weather permitting, flights will begin at 2 p.m.

This will be the second time this year that EAA’s Elkins chapter has opened this event to people in the area.

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