Since 2018, our chapter has taken a Saturday in May to reach out to the Watertown community and offer them an inside look at the process of becoming a pilot. This year's event, held on May 18, drew in a small, but enthusiastic group of aspiring pilots for an event called Flying Start. After a presentation introducing attendees to the process of flight training, attendees were then given an "Eagle Flight" with one of the chapter's pilots.
One attendee, Michelle Stangler, was especially impressed and contributed her thoughts, reproduced here.
"My family has strong roots in Watertown, and being a 2019 Watertown High School graduate, I love coming back to the area from time to time visiting family and friends. When scrolling through social media, I found that Watertown Tourism posted a free opportunity to learn about flying and how an organization fosters community for a love of aviation. Knowing nobody before walking in and not understanding much of the process in becoming a pilot, I came out of the few hour event more inspired to look into the process, striving to be part of more community organizations and even saw planting progress from thousands of feet in the air with club member Rod and his Super Cub. For 23 years of my life, I knew this airport existed, but was too nervous to seek out the opportunity not knowing what was in it for me. The organization has a pure love for having fun and aviation in addition to wanting to support any age and demographic after only being with them for a few hours one Saturday afternoon. Whatever is holding you back, just explore it! There's no loss, you're never too late and not everyone's journey is the same."
Thanks, Michelle! We hope to see you around the airport again soon!
And thanks to our chapter volunteers and in particular to Eagle Flight Leader Daniel Birnschein for coordinating the event.
Photos by Bill Rantanen
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