Aviation Explorer Post 9

Join us for our Open House on October 2nd at 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Young people who want to experience the thrill of flying are invited to an Open House sponsored by Windy City Aviation Explorer Post #9 on Monday October 2nd.

Aviation Exploring is a Learning for life's aviation career development program for young men and women who have completed the eighth grade through 20 years old. The "youth-run" program enables members to gain valuable leadership and organization skills by electing their own officers and determining their own schedule of events. Post #9 is sponsored by Windy City Flyers at Palwaukee Airport.

The core of the program is the study of the principal of flight, navigation, weather and other topics essential to flying. Four times a year they have an opportunity to see these principels in action as they take a flight, actually taking control of a single-engine airplane as they are able. Commerical-grade flight simulation also supplements their learning. Field trips and outside speakers enable Explorers to discover other aviation careers. Recent field trips include Control Towers and other FAA installations, maintenance and repair facilities, business jet charter services and the like.

The highlight of the Aviation Explorer program is the annual trip to Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture in Oshkosh Wisconsin. Each July, approximately 125 Explorers from across the nation spend the week camping together and volunteering to assist the EAA with flight line and crowd control. Explorers enjoy front row seating at the airshow, the ability to see aircraft before the crowds arrive, and a controlled independence that is hard to find elsewhere.

Fees for the Post are reasonable, only $7 for annual registration and $35 for monthly dues. These fees, together with their annual fund raiser, cover all their activities including flying. Even the fund raiser is fun. Once a year they have a Plane Wash in which they clean airplanes, inside and out. This one-day event puts to shame other funds raising activities such as selling candy or raffle tickets.

Since the Post was founded in 1994, some members have pursued their aviation dream by earning a Private Pilot license, receiving A&P (airframe and powerplant repair technician) certification, becoming an F-16 pilot, receiving an aerospace engineering degree and graduating from the Air Force Academy.

The Post is seeking to add interested, enthusiastic, young people. Adult volunteers are always welcome to assist with implementing the program. Learn more at the Open House on October 2nd from 7:30 to 9:00 at the Palwaukee Municipal Airport offices at 1020 S. Plant Road. For more information, contact Micheal Haupt at 847-297-2020 or mhaupt@edge-information.com