Flight Simulator

Alan Bell mentioned an open source flight simulator, called FlightGear, in his post, "I believe I can fly". Looking at the site it looks kind of interesting.

My youngest son took a plane ride on 10/9/04, courtesy of the Young Eagles program. You can find out more about having your child participate, event dates, etc., via this area of the Young Eagles site.




The rides are free and my son enjoyed it. He flew in a Cessna Cardinal (seats 4 including the pilot). The pilots that participate give rides in their own planes. Many here were of the two seater kit plane variety.

Both of my sons took advantage of it a couple of years ago. At that time they flew in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk (also seats 4). The oldest one past on the oppurtunity this time (not sure it past the teenager test of being cool enough for him this time). If he would have known that there were going to be some teenage girls taking advantage of the flights, which there was, he might have changed his mind.

The Young Eagles program stems from priorities of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Background

In 1991, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) conducted a survey of long-time members to help determine the organization’s future priorities. Nearly 92 percent said EAA’s primary objective should be to involve more young people in aviation. The survey also showed that a flight experience, provided by a relative or friend, helped guide the respondents toward aviation. On May 13, l992, following several months of coordination by members of the EAA Board of Directors, EAA management, staff and volunteers, the Young Eagles Program was announced at a Washington, D.C., news conference.

Find out more on the background here.