Young Eagles’ Fly Free event returns to Prairie this month
John Dutcher's biplane will be one of many that will take children of almost all ages to the skies for a free flight.
A view of the Mississippi River from 1,400 feet in the air. The picture was taken during the 2023 Fly Free event in Prairie du Chien. (Photos by Steve Van Kooten/Courier Press)
By Steve Van Kooten
For many, flying is part of their dreams, and their first experience up in the air can be a memory they take with them for a lifetime. Later this month, the Prairie du Chien Municipal Airport will offer youth a chance to see the world from 1,400 feet — some for the first time.
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles will return to the Prairie du Chien Municipal Airport for the Fly Free event on September 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. As the name implies, the flights are free.
According to John Dutcher, who has completed more than 3,000 takeoffs and landings, the 2023 event was successful despite being delayed for one day due to high winds.
“Last year really surprised me,” he said. “We had 90 people sign up, and 104 people showed up. Normally, we have about 80 percent when we move the event from a Saturday to a Sunday.”
This year, the event will have more pilots, and Dutcher expects approximately 120 passengers will come to the airport to catch a ride through the sky.
Children between the ages of 8 and 17 can take an airplane ride along the Mississippi River, south of Wyalusing and then north towards Clayton before returning to the airport. Participants will learn about piloting an aircraft during the flight. Flights will last 15–20 minutes. Who knows, some passengers might even get to handle a few of the controls.
“We find that kids are apprehensive at first, but once they climb in and the wheels leave the ground, it’s all smiles,” said Dutcher. “I do this because I’m an old guy, and where else can I make a positive, life-changing experience in a child’s life?”
Walk-in passengers are welcome; however, the Young Eagles and the airport encourage parents to register their children online before the event. A parent or legal guardian must be present during registration. Flights are given on a first-come, first-serve basis, so be there early.
For further information about the registration process, contact eaa227.com.
The event is a cooperative project between EAA chapters 1439 in Viroqua; 327 in Dubuque, Iowa; and 227 in Waterloo, Iowa.
Along with the EAA, representatives from the U.S. Air Force and Civil Air Patrol are likely to be on hand for the event.
The EAA is an international organization with thousands of chapters in more than 100 countries with a goal to promote aviation, careers in aeronautics, and continued participation in aviation activities. To date, the local EAA chapter has flown more than 6,300 youths. All participating pilots have passed child protection training and a federal background check.
