Youth aged eight to 20 got the chance to hop in a cockpit and hit the skies as Discover Aviation returned to the Vernon Regional Airport Saturday, June 22.
It was a triumphant return for the event, which was cancelled last year due to wildfire smoke, as 160 youth took part in learning about aviation and flying in a small plane.
"After two frustrating false starts last year due to wildfire smoke, the 2024 Discover Aviation Event was a huge success," reads a Facebook post by Discover Aviation Vernon. "Our guests were smoothly and efficiently registered, processed, trained, briefed, flew, provided refreshment, presented certificates, and had pictures taken with not a single hitch!"
The event was put on by the Vernon Flying Club and COPA (Canadian Owners and Pilots Association) Flight #65. The Flying Club mobilized 54 members who volunteered to make the event happen.
The intent behind Discover Aviation is to get youth interested in flying and inspire them to pursue a career in aviation at some point in their lives. According to the Flying Club, many youth who take part in Discover Aviation go on to enrol in various flying schools, and many of the pilots who were at the event got their first taste of flight at a similar event.
Youth got the chance to experience the thrill of aviation with an experienced pilot taking them into the air and showing them the ropes.
While wildfire smoke disrupted last year's event, Saturday provided plenty of sun and clear skies, making for a successful outing.
