By Ted Luebbers
The Villages Aviation Club located in The Villages FL donated $ 600 to Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 534. This transaction took place in the hangar of EAA Chapter 534 during a recent meeting on January 11, 2020 at the Leesburg International Airport in Leesburg, FL.
Jim Waymire, President of The Villages Aviation Club handed the check to Joel Hargis, the President of EAA Chapter 534.
It was explained that since The Villages organization does not have an Aviation Youth program this is their way to help a local group that does. They feel it is important to expose young people to the field of general aviation with the hope that they will be interested in one day securing their Private Pilot’s License or seek out careers in aviation as they mature.
Right now, there is a serious lack of new pilots and aviation mechanics due to retirements and current workers aging out. Over the next ten to fifteen years career opportunities for young people in this field will be great.
Since EAA Chapter 534 is a 501 C-3 nonprofit organization they welcome financial donations as well as gifts of aircraft parts and tools that the Aviation Youth program can use.
In the past, the chapter has been lucky enough to receive gifts of damaged aircraft and uncompleted airplane kits that the young people can repair or build under the supervision of the adult members. Any money made when these airplanes are sold helps to sustain the chapter’s Aviation Youth program.
Chapter 534 appreciates and thanks The Villages Aviation Club for their generous donation.
If you would like to find out more about EAA Chapter 534, you may go to the following web site. < www.534.eaachapter.org >
