May 1, 2010 Young Eagles Rally - Twin County Young Eagles

The sky was the limit when five generous pilots of EAA Chapter 1426 flew 107 kids on Saturday, May 1, 2010. There were smiles all around and a lot of excitement.

Pilots who gave the use of their airplanes, gasoline, and their generous time were Jon Wyatt from Blacksburg in his Cessna 182, Greg Hoofnagle from Marion in his Cessna 172, Scott Thomas in his Ballanca 1413, Bill Bryant in his Robinson R44, and Bob Steele in his Cessna 172.

Kids came from Bassett, Mouth of Wilson, Fries, Galax, Woodlawn, Hillsville, Fancy Gap, Lambsburg, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Mt. Airy, Cana, Laurel Fork, Speedwell, Max Meadows, Sugar Grove, Dublin, Ennice, NC, Austinville, and Ivanhoe. A special group came from Woodlawn School and from St. Paul School. Kids were also in attendance from Mt. Rogers. A special church group from Blacksburg attended also.

Many compliments and thanks were received from the attendees. Chapter 1426 thanks the community for supporting the airport with their attendance and participation, Twin County Aviation for the use of their hangar, Twin County Airport Commission and manager, Dave Ritter. Thanks to the Laurel Rescue Squad for being in attendance. And a huge thanks to the pilots and all the "worker bees" on the ground who made the event a huge success. Bountiful thanks go to Gary Craig, the Chapter's Young Eagles Coordinator for organizing a model event. The Chapter also thanks the radio stations and newspapers for the publicity.

Jim Spence of Galax was the winner of the condo raffle, winning a free week at Myrtle Beach, SC. The condo raffle is ongoing and another drawing will be made on Saturday, October 2 at the next Young Eagles Rally. Tickets may be purchased from any EAA member or by calling Ina Jacobs at 728-5831.

Below are pictures of the event taken by Randy Johnson.