May 27, 2026 By Brad Hundt 2 min read

No matter what age you are, taking that first plane ride is something you never forget.

Hurtling down the runway, gathering speed as you go. The plane lifting off, steadily heading skyward. Then, once the plane has gained some altitude, being able to look out the window and see familiar sights from a couple thousand feet in the air.

Area children aged 8 to 17 will have that opportunity Saturday because a Young Eagles event is planned at Washington County Airport in South Franklin. Sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 842 and happening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., young people will have the opportunity to fly over the Washington area for about 15 or 20 minutes in a recreational aircraft that seats four people.

The Young Eagles events have been held at the Washington County Airport for about five years, according to Richard Judy, the Young Eagles coordinator, and they are designed to “pique the interest in flying, to be sure (kids) know that flying is an option for them. They get to experience the magic of flying and realize it could be a career for them.”

Some of the children who turn up at the Young Eagles events have never flown before and, inevitably, some of them feel some jitters before heading off into the wild blue yonder. “We don’t force anybody to go on an airplane,” Judy said. But, he noted, some young and reluctant flyers emerge with “the biggest smiles on their face.”

It all will unfold, of course, on a weather-permitting basis. As of Tuesday, the forecast looks good, with little chance of rain. Judy said they would take a second look at the forecast on Friday.

“This is all about safety,” Judy said.

For additional information or to register, go online to events.eaachapters.org or send an email message to 842youngeagles@gmail.com.