DANVILLE — The Hendricks County Aviation Association celebrated over the weekend with lunch, music and airplane rides in order to promote aviation awareness in the community.
“Our organization is responsible for having the airport built,” said member Jim Lewis. “We do this as goodwill toward the community. We want to be good neighbors.”
The intent is to get young people introduced and perhaps interested in what association member Jim Snyder remembers as a popular pastime years ago.
“When we were growing up, we didn’t have fences around airports,” he said. “We’d hang around and the pilots would offer us a ride. We’d be tickled to death and jump in that plane ... that’s how we all got started in aviation.”
Recently, the organization has recognized the importance of getting younger generations involved and interested.
As members of the association age and aviation education is not as readily available, Snyder says grassroots organizations like the Aviation Alliance feel it’s important to recognize the pilots, mechanics and instructors of a hobby some haven’t considered.
Tickets were sold for a ride in a small airplane or helicopter.
The St. Vincent flight stat helicopter, used for emergency transport, was on hand as guests witnessed the take offs and landings.
Other more experienced pilots showcased their skills as two or more planes took off in formation.
A picnic lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad and chips was served and several members of the Hendricks County Symphony Orchestra played for guests waiting on rides.
Models were on display and community members were able to walk up to the airplanes and peek inside.
The association is comprised of about 80 members from many different backgrounds. Together, they’ve watched the Hendricks County airport grow and succeed.
“We’ve added hangars over the years and even have a waiting list now,” Lewis said.
The plan for 2018 is to tear down the double wide trailer used as an office and build a new, permanent structure.
They also offer flight school and training for those interested in obtaining a private pilot license.
For more information, visit the association website at www.flyhca.com.
Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.flyergroup.com
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