EAA Chapter 770, a local organization that is part of the national Experimental Aircraft Association, is dedicated to growing participation in aviation by sharing the ways people can get started in this fun and fulfilling recreation. The program will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday, June 5th at Stellar Aviation, 900 Capital Airport Drive, Springfield, IL. Anyone with an aviation interest is invited to attend. EAA’s Flying Start program introduces interested individuals to the endless opportunities and fun that result in earning a pilot’s certificate. The event will cover the steps and requirements in learning to fly, provide tips on how to make it economical, and will culminate in a free introductory flight. EAA has approximately 900 chapters around the world, which provide activities for local aviation enthusiasts with a mission of growing participation in aviation by sharing “The Spirit of Aviation.”
Springfield Airport Authority Board Commissioner Susan Shea said, “We are delighted to see aviation programs such as this resume after a long year of uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic. We remain very supportive of EAA Chapter 770 as they represent the ‘grass roots’ of aviation and provide opportunities for all people who have an interest in aviation.” She concluded by noting, “All of the EAA members are volunteers and donate their time and resources, such as aircraft and fuel to support and promote these aviation education opportunities. For this, we offer our sincerest appreciation and gratitude.” Frank Vala, Chair of the Springfield Airport Authority’s Board of Commissioners, stated, “It is great to see this collaborative effort between Stellar Aviation and EAA Chapter 770 as they offer this free introductory flight program for the people in our community. All are welcome to come out to the program to further learn, explore and investigate all of the opportunities that are available in the field of aviation.”
The local EEA Chapter 770 organizes activities that range from monthly meetings, to airport open houses, fly-ins, educational programs, and pancake breakfasts that share aviation with the community and build a stronger bond between local aviation and the public. EAA chapters are the backbone of the international EAA organization, which has more than 200,000 members. The local organizations include general EAA chapters as well as specialized chapters for Vintage aircraft, Warbird, Ultralight and Aerobatic flight enthusiasts. For more information about this Flying Start session, contact John Salz at 217-483-3238 or Scott Winningham at 217-725-3779.