A.L Mangham Jr. Regional Airport hosted an EAA Young Eagles Rally, Saturday, January 14. The EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter 1219 (Lufkin, TX) flew 17 kids, ages 8-17, who were scheduled to fly during the Airport Open House. The event was canceled last November because of high wind, which made it unsafe to fly.
“The City of Nacogdoches really appreciates the Lufkin EAA participating in our local airport events. It was a very exciting day for the kids who got to fly,” said Mary Uresti, Airport Manager. “This is a fun way to introduce general aviation to the next generation of pilots.”
Linda Hendry, EAA President, thanked Ms. Uresti and the Nacogdoches airport for providing lunch for the EAA Young Eagle pilots. “Thankfully the weather cooperated today. It’s our goal to fly as many kids as possible during 2012. We flew 17 of the original 40 who had signed up,” she said. “We’ll try to make plans to be back later in the year and see if we can round up the rest of the kids.”
In response to the thanks he received, Steve Reeves, one of the five pilots who flew Young Eagles, commented, “We had beautiful weather, a good lunch, discounted fuel and I got to fly all afternoon. What’s not to love?”
