Thanks to the Young Eagles Program children from across Lawrence County can get an opportunity to learn more about aviation and experience flying.

The program, which had its most recent instruction day a few weeks ago, is geared toward teaching aspects of flight that aren’t typically taught in school.

“It’s an opportunity for the students to be exposed to something they may not be exposed to in school,” Dan Pelfry, a program flight instructor, said. “While some of the elements of flight may be taught in school we give them a more in-depth experience and allow them to experience flight firsthand.”

The program also serves, as an inspiration to several children who have aspirations to one day be pilots themselves.

“As an instructor you share something you love with these children,” Pelfry said. “And you hope they will walk away loving it too. It’s not unusual for us when we do these instruction days for the kids to display interest of wanting to take what they learned to the next level.”

While the intent is an extracurricular learning opportunity for the children, Pelfry said the program also has a profound effect on adult instructors as well.

“It’s always a joy to share the experience of flight with someone,” Pelfry said. “Especially with someone who has never flown before. So to see the look on the children’s faces is always satisfying.”