EAA Chapter 1088 Introduces Fifteen Youths to Flight in Texas

Members of EAA Chapter 1088 in Fredericksburg, Texas, answered questions about the value of Young Eagles rallies by organizing an event in September 2026. The group flew fifteen participants ranging in age from seven to eighteen at Gillespie County Airport, designated as T82. For numerous attendees, the outing marked their inaugural journey in an airplane.

Participant Anthony Cisneros received a surprise morning flight from his mother and flew with pilot Harry Anthony, who noted that the thirteen-year-old felt somewhat apprehensive at first before curiosity took over. Another participant, thirteen-year-old Rubi Marin, learned about ailerons and rudders from pilot Larry Gollaher during the preflight inspection. Eleven-year-old Layla Rejcek completed her third Young Eagles flight and has previously attended aviation camps.

Nine-year-old Olivia Worth flew in a Kitfox piloted by Bill Lucy. Chapter members noted that the aircraft lacks doors, which provided an unobstructed view that she enjoyed alongside taking off. Olivia grew up near Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, and later visited Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and Naval Air Station Coronado with her mother, retired U.S. Marine Megan Worth. Chapter members stated that the flight further strengthened her determination to become a Navy pilot.

Ken Langley, who serves as the Young Eagles coordinator for EAA Chapter 1088, stated that fifteen youths participated and left with huge smiles. Langley also credited the pilots and ground volunteers who dedicated time from their busy schedules.

The Young Eagles program started in 1992 and has introduced more than 2.5 million young people between the ages of 8 and 17 to flight. Individuals seeking to arrange a flight or obtain information on upcoming events can contact Ken Langley at 512-298-2930 or via email at [email protected], or visit EAA.org.

Sources: General Aviation News