Education

Steve and Linda Kay hope the aviation museum will provide area school children with a learning laboratory for aviation education. With a variety of displays, they have made a special effort to recognize community leaders who have contributed to Gilmer's heritage through aviation.

Throughout the year, special aviation education programs are offered to the community. In partnership with EAA, the International Young Eagles program has been a popular offering. The Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 by EAA: the Experimental Aircraft Association, based in Oshkosh Wisconsin. Their mission is to provide a meaningful flight experience - free of charge - in a general aviation aircraft for young people (primarily between the ages of 8 and 17). The EAA Young Eagle will then be officially registered in the World's Largest Logbook. You and your child will be able to see the flight information on the internet at www.youngeagles.org.

You might recognize Harrison Ford from his numerous movie roles, like Indiana Jones from the Temple of Doom or CIA Agent Jack Ryan in Clear and Present Danger or the president in Air Force One, but Harrison Ford is also an experienced pilot and Chairman of the EAA Young Eagles program.

Since Young Eagles began in 1992, there have been three chairmen. All are active pilots and have flown Young Eagles. The first chairman (1992- 1994) was Academy-Award winning actor Cliff Robertson. Mr. Robertson was followed as chairman by Gen. Chuck Yeager (1994 - 2003). Of course Gen. Yeager is known as a famous test and combat pilot and the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound. Now, Harrison Ford has taken over for Gen. Yeager.