Angel Flight Meet-And-Greet And 'Kids In Planes' Events Planned For Saturday

Two events are planned for Saturday at the embattled Santa Monica Airport that will allow the public to see some of the many benefits of the airport to the community.

The Santa Monica Airport Association is sponsoring the events, and has posted information on the website Eventbrite.

Of the first event, the SMAA writes "Angel Flight West bridges the gap between home and health by arranging free air transportation for people who need to access medical care and other essential services. This key aspect of SMO get little attention outside the airport, but fulfills a key community need by transporting children and adults requiring medical treatment, who are either unable to travel on airlines or are unable to afford the cost. The Angel Flight West has flown 842 missions, flying 145 unique passengers to destinations around California. Pilots donate their time and aircraft free-of-charge to Angel Flight and their passengers.

"Come meet Angel Flight West Pilots and their aircraft, see pictures of their missions and patients and all questions are welcomed. Angel Flight West is a non-profit organization, based here at SMO. Your donations may be tax-deductible and we encourage all Santa Monica residents and visitors to support this very deserving charitable organization."

The Kids in Planes event is described as one of the most popular sponsored by the SMAA. "Ever seen a kid's face light up when they sit in the cockpit of an airplane and move the flight controls. Wow, the smiles go on for days. How much fun is that! A great way to introduce or renew your kids love of airplanes," the event description reads.

"For older ones, airplanes, aviation and the airport make a great, living, practical example of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in action. We usually have around eight airplanes on static display at SMO, along with their pilots giving guided tours of their airplanes and allowing kids to sit in the pilot's seat and operate the flight controls on the ground."

(Image from file)

FMI: www.eventbrite.com/e/angel-flight-and-kids-in-planes-tickets-37162426819