Finding Ways To Use Air Show Schedule As An Opportunity To Promote Flying To Youth

When renowned air show pilot Sean D. Tucker accepted the chairmanship of the Young Eagles program last summer, he was determined to fully engage in the program. After nine months, there’s no doubt that Sean has put his own enthusiastic mark on Young Eagles.

Sean found a way to use his air show schedule and visibility as a great opportunity to fly kids, thank EAA Young Eagles volunteers and get people jazzed about flying. He now volunteers his time at nearly every air show stop to fly both a young people AND a volunteer.

For instance, in mid-May Sean was flying the weekend events at the Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show in Providence. He arrived a couple of days early and flew longtime Young Eagles volunteer Fran Uliano in one of the Team Oracle aircraft. Fran has been EAA Chapter 27’s Young Eagles Coordinator since 2002 – the chapter has flown more than 2,300 kids – and Fran has flown more than 400 himself.

Sean also took 16-year-old Brandon Garrahy of Warwick, Rhode Island, for his first flight in a Team Oracle aircraft prior to the Providence show. The following week, Sean spent time with elementary school students on Long Island, urging them to become Young Eagles and pursue their dreams.

Watch for Sean flying at Oshkosh this summer – and perhaps in a city near you – and know that he is enthusiastic about flying Young Eagles and wants to, as he puts, “Thank and recognize our tremendous volunteers. They’re the real stars here.

(Pictured: EAA Chapter 27 Young Eagles Coordinator Fran Uilano (front) flies with Sean D. Tucker in Rhode Island on May 15. EAA Photo)

FMI: www.eaa.org