EAA Chapter 242 Flies 10,000th Young Eagle

April 25, 2013 - EAA Chapter 242 of Columbia, South Carolina, marked its 10,000th Young Eagle flown on April 13 at Jim Hamilton L.B. Owens Airport (CUB). The lucky Young Eagle, Luke Williams, flew with chapter member Tom Roberts, EAA 697606, in his homebuilt RV-7A.

Chapter 242 joins four other EAA chapters that have exceeded 10,000 Young Eagles flown, led by Chapter 579, Aurora, Illinois, 15,306. Others include Chapter 1114, Apex, North Carolina, 15,253; Chapter 1, Riverside, California, 11,470; and Chapter 186, Manassas, Virginia, 11,082. Two other chapters have exceeded 9,000 Young Eagles flown - Chapter 74 in Orlando, Florida, 9,739, and Chapter 13 in Ray Township, Michigan, 9,286.

"Between all the pilots, coordinators, and volunteers, it really is a group effort," said Chapter 242 President Mike Hoover, EAA 719008. "But credit should also go to our outstanding Young Eagles coordinator Ron Shelton."

Shelton, EAA 443384, has been the Chapter 242 coordinator since 2005, and was awarded the EAA's Chapter Coordinator Award in 2009 for his dedication to creating successful youth aviation events.

"He has been the backbone, along with many other coordinators, that has made our program a significant part of our community," Hoover said.

Chapter 242 has been flying Young Eagles since 1995, holding Young Eagles rallies on the second Saturday of every month. The chapter strives to fly approximately a dozen Young Eagles each month.

A festive event commemorating this milestone is scheduled for May 11 at CUB. All chapter and community members are invited to attend.