21 MayLearn to Fly Day: Originated at Oshkosh
Today is second annual International Learn to Fly Day, which originated at Oshkosh.
Originally announced at EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2009, the event is intended to help increase interest in flying and help encourage the aviation community to get others involved in the field of aviation.
Learn to Fly Day is being celebrated around the world. The official website has a searchable database of events being held in the United States and Canada.
“It’s incredible to see pilots’ enthusiasm for inspiring others to learn to fly,” said AOPA President Craig Fuller in a news story about the event on AOPA.org.
“The international aviation community is coming together to introduce people around the world to the benefits of general aviation,” he said.
The day is a cooperative effort between the Experimental Aircraft Association and pilots, companies, governments, and organizations in a number of countries. Additionally, in many events, local organizations and governments join with their national counterparts to host events.
Many events were held throughout the weekend. One such event took place at Frederick Municipal Airport in Maryland.
According to RotorNews, more than 350 people attended that event and 140 went flying. AOPA, the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Chapter 524, Fredrick Flight Center and Cirrus Aircraft helped provide the free flights throughout the course of the day.
AOPA President Craig Fuller spoke at a pilot town hall meeting during the event. The meeting was sponsored by Cirrus Aircraft.
During the presentation, Fuller explained that some 360 companies use the Frederick airport over the course of a year. That’s one reason – he says- that officials came to the event. He says the airport also, “represents people who just plain love flying.”
Local officials in attendance agreed that their views of the area had not been complete until they were seen from the air.
Related posts:
