Local Wyoming Pilots Thrill Kids With A Free Ride

There are a lot of great reasons to get the kids out of the house.

These kids got to take their first trip in a small airplane, thanks to the local Casper, Wyoming chapter of Experimental Aircraft Association.

Local pilots in Central Wyoming took kids for a free ride at the Casper/Natrona County Airport on Saturday.

The event was hosted at Hangar 4 by Atlantic Aviation.

Breakfast was served, the kids learned about flying, and then took to the skies.

Local pilots volunteered their planes and time.

They even let the kids take the controls for a short while to get a feel for what it's like to be a pilot.

The goal is to give the kids a thrill and an experience they will never forget.

The hope is that it might inspire kids to think about aviation.

Some people become pilots for fun.

Some people choose to become pilots as a profession.

There are MANY different types of aircraft and jobs that are open in aviation.

America needs more pilots. A LOT MORE!

Giving young kids the gift of their first flight: that's the goal each year when Wyoming's EAA chapter holds its annual Young Eagles event at the Casper Natrona County International Airport.

Also helping out were cadets from Wyoming's Civil Air Patrol, Casper. They worked the flight line directing the planes on the ground.

Each child who took a flight was given the title of Young Eagle, an official EAA flight certificate, and a logbook with their first flight written down and signed by the pilot who took them up.

The event's goal was to spark interest in aviation at an early age. These organizations are available year-round to anyone who might want to explore the skies.

Scroll down to see photos from past EAA Young Eagles Events.