I first became aware of Young Aviators during 2009 when my eldest son, Dominic, managed to secure a place on the Sywell event. The Young Aviators scheme is run by the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) and is based on the concept of the American Young Eagles programme. The latter achieved its aim of flying one million youngsters by the centenary of powered flight anniversary in December 2003 10,000 of these were in the UK. The aim of Young Aviators is to inspire youngsters to achieve higher goals and introduce them to the career opportunities that exist within aviation.
The Sywell event is arranged by the Milton Keynes Aviation Society (MKAS) and is one of several that happen across the UK annually. They are open to anyone (aged 7-18), some attend as part of a school or scout group while others, like Dominic, as individuals. The 2009 event was blessed with glorious weather, this year it remained dry but the afternoon was much cloudier and the temperature much cooler. Both followed a similar format and I will draw on my experiences from both (as well my photos!) for the purposes of this report.
The day starts around 9.00am with registration at which point the Young Aviators are given a briefing and information pack, they also find out which group they are in. Each group has a timetable of core activities that includes a hangar tour (taking in the microlight hangar and Sloane Helicopters), map reading and a quiz. The highlight is of course the flight and this includes a pre (with navigation planning) and post flight briefing with the pilot.
There are no guarantees that all the Young Aviators will fly, this depends on the number of slots available - based on how many pilots and aircraft give up their time to support the event and of course the weather. The organisers do their best to get everyone airborne and in 2009 Dominic was fortunate to get a flight (as did his dad but more on that later….).
A wide range of aircraft types were available including some vintage airframes. Dominic's flight was in Jabiru J430 G-MUTZ, he managed to 'bag' the front seat with two other lads sitting behind. It is this airborne experience that makes Young Aviators what it is. Dominic was incredibly excited about the flight and by all accounts did not stop talking throughout! As a parent I felt very proud (and a little nervous) watching him go off on his own and the look on his face afterwards is something I won't forget.
Throughout the day there are a wide range of other activities going on which you fit in around the core activities. These are open to all so even if you are not registered for the event there is plenty to join in on. Static aircraft including a vintage glider and the resident Fokker Triplane replica were on display along with the Laffin Gas Rocket Car, the LAA Youth and Education Support (Y.E.S) Build-a-plane project and a tethered hot air balloon. There were also pedal planes, bottle rockets, radio and telephony fun, marshalling practice, 'Imagineering', an egg crash test workshop and flight simulators. A popular activity was the dual model aircraft flying and the displays by the locally based OGEES Model Flying Club. The Sywell Aviation Museum was also open and as a busy GA airfield there is always plenty of activity on the ground and in the air.
Subject to available slots, some adults are also given the chance to fly. The 2009 event happened to fall on my 40th birthday (which I may have mentioned to one or two people) and the organisers were good enough to arrange a 20 minute flight around the local area in Robin DR400 G-CBEZ for my wife and I. It included an overflight of RAF Harrington where we got a great view of what remains of the Thor missile launch pads. This was a great experience in near perfect conditions and one which neither of us will forget in a long time!
The day finishes around 4.30 with the 'testing' of the lovingly created contraptions from the egg crash test workshop. This is followed by the presentation of certificates to all the Young Aviators, goody bags and a slice of cake! In 2009 70 Young Aviators were flown by 22 pilots in 21 different aircraft and by all accounts this year was another record breaking event.
Young Aviators is a fantastic scheme that gives young people the opportunity to experience a light aircraft flight at a very young age, hopefully inspiring them to greater things, and possibly a career in aviation. It's a free event (although charitable donations are welcomed) and could not happen without the generosity of all those who give up their time ..and aircraft. If you are interested in supporting or attending the event, further details can be obtained by visiting http://www.mkas.net/YA2011.html. My youngest, Elliott, has had his name on the list since his brother went so I will be at Sywell next year on 17th September hoping for a repeat of the weather in 2009!
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