Airport Family Day, Sept. 17, 2011

Above and below: Youngsters are briefed for their Young Eagles flights.

Young people will have a chance to explore the world of aviation and earn a free airplane ride when the Port of Skagit hosts a family day, “Flying into the Future,” at Skagit Regional Airport from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 17.

Co-sponsored by the Skagit Airport Support Association, the event will combine education, career counseling and fun activities while showcasing the airport as a valuable community asset. The program revolves around four units:

• Airports 101 – Participants will be able to “taxi” and “take off” on foot around an indoor model the Skagit Regional Airport layout, under direction by radio from an air traffic controller.
• Airplanes 101 – A variety of aircraft will be on static display, with volunteers standing by at each plane to tell about them and answer questions.
• Bird Flight – This activity will make the connection between birds and airplanes, explaining the similarities and differences in how they fly.

• Flying Gizmo Show – Operated by Seattle’s Museum of Flight, this assembly-style program is designed to help participants discover the science and history of flight through the use of flying toys and models. Its toy collection includes a flapping-winged bird, kites, parachutes, gliders, stomp rockets, and many others.

Youth ages 8 through 17 who complete at least three of the units will be eligible for a free airplane ride, provided by members of Bay View Chapter 818 of the Experimental Aircraft Association, through the EAA’s “Young Eagles” program. A parent’s signature is required on a release form.

 Representatives of several aviation schools and the armed forces will be on hand to explain career options, and the U.S. Navy is tentatively scheduled to display a Knighthawk rescue helicopter. Radio-controlled model aircraft will be on display, and the Mount Vernon Children’s Museum will have activities for younger children. Food and drink vendors round out the offerings.

For more information, call the port office at 360-757-0011. To download a flyer for the event, please CLICK HERE.