Relaxed Family Atmosphere Ideal For Sharing The Love Of Flying

Assistant Airport Director Todd Scher guided airplane enthusiasts and sightseers around the 50-plus military and civilian aircraft displayed on the tarmac Saturday at Vero Beach Municipal Airport's Seventh Annual Aviation Day, sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association.

"It's a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere," Scher told the Treasure Coast Palm, conducive to up-close inspection of airplanes and helicopters on display for the day. "Pilots like to share their enthusiasm for flying with others, and Aviation Day is a great way to do that."

Future pilot Zack Betancourt, 10, plied the controls of a Cessna 172 simulator as his dad Chris looked on. "It's harder than doing this on my video games at home," said Zack. "You just have to turn the wheel very slightly and it responds."

Others shared their love of service to others in need through aviation. US Coast Guard Lieutenant Kent Reinhold, a two-year veteran of search and rescue, flew his Dauphin helicopter in for the day from its base in Miami.

"We have numerous helicopters in the fleet similar to this one," said Lt. Reinhold. "It's called a mid-range helicopter because we don't go as far offshore as some, but we get there a lot faster."

Reinhold recalled the recent dramatic rescue of a family of three stranded in a boat for 22 hours. "It's a great job," he said. "You get to help people and develop a real sense of purpose."

When asked what it is that causes people to get bitten by the aviation bug, Scher said, "I've been an airplane guy all my life and I'm still not sure. Some people have a passion for boats or muscle cars; mine is for anything that flies. I guess it's just a personal thing."

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