OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With thousands of Young Eagles in attendance for EAA, the hope is that a new generation will soon take flight.
Nineteen-year-old Jared Marcotte’s love of aviation started back when he was a kid, similar to the kids exploring EAA this week.
“Probably would’ve been when I was 5 or 6 years old.”
Children will be sitting in simulator seats during AirVenture, discovering a passion for flying.
“The simulators really help. It helps you build hours and experience without really being concerned about something,” said Marcotte. “So, you can experiment a bit more without the concern of your life and expensive equipment.”
This week provides a taste of flying for young people and a potential glimpse into their future.
“You get to see a lot of opportunities. You get to talk to a lot of people and find out a lot of career paths,” added the aviation enthusiast. “I know a lot of people have been talking to me about recruiting for engineering and pilots and stuff. So, it’s really unique — you get to see a lot of these opportunities.”
EAA Communications Director Dick Knapinski agrees, saying now is a great time to pursue a career in aviation.
“There is a shortage, and it’s going to become even greater as pilots who hit age 65 and fly for the airlines must retire. So, all of that adds up,” he said. “And aviation isn’t going away. It’s going to increase on the corporate level, on the private level and the commercial level. So, those needs are always there.”
Young Eagles Coordinator Jack Langland says the sooner kids become familiar with aviation, the better.
“It’s a chance to share our sport with the kids before they get the chance to have a fear of flight,” said Langland. “People have a tendency to get afraid of something they know nothing about, and, so, when we get these kids 8 to 17 and give them a free airplane ride, they get exposed.”
EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh continues through Sunday.
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