By Ron Wanttaja, EAA 275698, Chapter 441 Newsletter Editor
Like all airports, Dick Scobee Field in Auburn, Washington, depends on the goodwill of the people living in this small town south of Seattle. The airport hosts a yearly open house, inviting all and sundry to visit and view general aviation in action.
One of the attractions is a Young Eagles rally hosted by EAA Chapter 441. Even with an active membership numbering only in the 20s, the chapter flew 198 Young Eagles in a single day. Young Eagles coordinator Steve Cameron arranged for 12 pilots and aircraft, from a number of local chapters, who flew up to 10 times each. Airplanes varied from the traditional Wichita iron to homebuilts, including several Van’s aircraft and a Thorp T-18. There was even one warbird, an O-1 Bird Dog, hauling excited kids. Clear skies, light winds, and temperatures in the mid-80s made for a perfect flying day. Every kid who signed up got their ride, with a few of the pilots hanging around after the official end of the event to get the last few Young Eagles aloft.
Ground support is vital for these events, and Steve found help from EAAers as well as volunteers among friends and Auburn city employees. Chapter 441 member Sommer Scott even arranged a “ground school” for kids waiting for their rides. She and Brian Lee (Chapter 441 president), Kat McCoy, and Eileen Bjorkman used a static-display Civil Air Patrol Cessna to illustrate how airplanes work. Nearly a third of the Young Eagles were girls, and with three women among the ground crew staff it was hoped to encourage them to continue their interest in aviation.
The event also included face painting, games, and other events to enliven the day. Ty Frisby and Sunny Reifel, both Alaska Airlines pilots, set up their cabin Waco for a booth that allowed attendees to have their pictures taken next to this classic airplane. Several local EAAers also displayed their airplanes for static display, ranging from a 1910 Demoiselle replica to a Long-EZ.
Many languages and accents were heard among the attendees that day; Auburn is home to many immigrant families trying to make their way in America. The open house, and Young Eagles rally, was a perfect opportunity for a low-cost family outing. As Young Eagles coordinator Steve Cameron says, “I’m especially proud that our chapter supports this event because the demographic of kids we fly from the Auburn area tends to be those from families that face more challenges.”