Staff Report
Santa Ynez Valley Airport held its fifth annual Airport Day, a celebration of local general aviation, on May 19 with attendance of nearly 1,200 people.
Hosted by the Santa Ynez Valley Airport Authority (SYVAA), the aviation event included programs for youth with the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) local Chapter 491 providing free airplane rides with experienced pilots.
Thirty local pilots displayed their aircraft and provided stories of flying to the visitors.
During a noon ceremony, local students Randy Szpak, Luke Borders and Ryan Casey were announced as winners of flight-training scholarships provided by grants from the Santa Ynez Tribe of Chumash Indians, the Rotary Club of Santa Ynez, and the SYVAA.
With low clouds beginning the day youngsters attended a pre-flight ground school conducted by local professional pilots and certified flight instructors Jeff Millard, Yves Bajulaz and Doug Bailey. With clearing skies about 10 a.m., pilots began their tours of the valley with each “Young Eagle” getting an opportunity to sit in the front seat and observe the pilot in maneuvering around Lake Cachuma and the surrounding towns.
After 116 youth signed up for rides, 101 got their chance before afternoon turbulence made flying less comfortable for the uninitiated.
The Rotary Club of the Santa Ynez Valley provided a free barbecue lunch.
There were also educational program provided including first aid and emergency response techniques taught by trained first responders, information on aviation education and careers, and a representative of the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
