just gone through 90 plus days of drought-like conditions, the event was unexpectedly held under less than ideal flight conditions. Yet, the event was a great success!
Fifty kids from ages 6-17 signed up for a brief ground school presentation and a short 20 minute flight. Our first flight was scheduled to leave at approximately 10:00 AM, but after waiting for the weather conditions to improve, it was determined we could only get the kids up for a circuit around the field. Three C-172s and a two-place Steen Skybolt made 22 trips, flying 49 kids. At times, marginal VFR conditions prevailed, but safety was paramount in loading each child and ensuring their safe return to waiting parents.
Thanks go out to all COPA Flight 6 members who volunteered for the day from initially greeting everyone to VFC, signing them in, running through the ground school and out to the planes for the flight. Approximately 20 volunteers made it all come together. A special thanks to the Cadets who participated and family members of COPA Flight members who pitched in. Also, thanks to our three photographers who captured the smiles when the kids de-planed and Shannon Lee Rae from SLR Imaging for arranging the beverages and snacks for all.
The previous COPA For Kids event was last held four years ago and now that we have successfully held the event again, it is hoped we can stage the event on a more regular basis and introduce more youth to the world of aviation.
