First flight

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP —Young Eagles saw the Northwoods from a new perspective while being 3,000 feet in the air Saturday during Airport Day at Gogebic-Iron County Airport.

Pilots donated their time and planes, and kids brought their enthusiasm and smiles as dozens of youth took their first plane ride as part of the Experimental Air Craft’s Young Eagle Program.

The Young Eagle Program was launched nationally in 1992 and is closing in on its 2 millionth ride. The program’s mission is encourage youth to consider becoming a pilot when they grow up.

Lorne Lovelace, of Ironwood, said he became a pilot because of the program.

“I went to my local airport, got a ride and that was it,” he said.

The pilots were volunteers who used their own planes Saturday to help children see the Northwoods and Lake Superior from far above.

Before they got a ride in the plane, Lovelace showed the kids how to conduct a pre-flight check.

“How many have ever flown before?” he asked them. A couple hands went up. Lovelace demonstrated how to check the tire’s pressure, check for leaks and check the oil.

It was 10-year-old Payton Birkmeier’s first time in an airplane.

“Look, it’s Powderhorn Mountain,” said Birkmeier, of Ironwood, as she looked out the window of the plane piloted by James Hubbard, of Bessemer.

Children also got to ride in a helicopter flown by Donald Giackino, of Marquette.

Isaak Fyle, 10, of Bessemer, said it was a “cool” experience.

Air Choice One had a plane on display as part of the Airport Day festivities. There were door prizes including airline tickets, T-shirts and airplane and helicopter rides. The Gogebic and Iron County 4-H programs served pancakes.

Lovelace said he hopes the experience inspired the children to become pilots.

“There’s a shortage of pilots in the country right now,” he said.