By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Copy Editor
The Albert Lea Municipal Airport was a hub of activity on Saturday, May 4 as several members of the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) greeted guests who arrived on a rainy 8:30 a.m. to participate in the annual Eagle Flights program.
EAA Eagle Flights is a program designed to welcome and encourage newcomers who are interested in learning to fly, but may not know how to begin. The event on Saturday gave all those in attendance the opportunity to fill in the blanks, learning from the experts who've been flying the friendly skies for decades, as well as a free six-month membership to the EAA.
The conference room at the airport was filled to capacity as those gathered learned about the history of the EAA Vintage Chapter 13 in Albert Lea. They had the opportunity to meet several current members, who engaged in the topic and answered questions with enthusiasm.
Marcy Drescher recalled pretending to be a pilot as a child. She grew up to be a commercial pilot, flight instructor, and member of The Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots founded in 1929, whose first president was Amelia Earhart.
Jim Hanson, who began flying 63 years ago at the age of 15, said his flight certificate has taken him to 87 different countries, as well as Antarctica. “It probably saved my life,” Hanson added, “because, instead of becoming a combat medic in the army, I ended up doing some flying.” Hanson still flies gliders, hot air balloons, helicopters and airplanes. He added to general laughter, “And in 63 years I haven't hurt myself even once.”
Bill Koza, who has engaged in several airplane restoration projects, began flying in the Air Force in Great Falls, Mont. He moved to Minn. in 1980, where he finally attained his pilot's license. “It's a whole different realm when you're floating around up there,” Koza said, “looking down and seeing where we are, and trying to put into perspective as to why we're here. It's enjoyable beyond words.”
Chuck Sandager, who led the instruction on Saturday, accompanied by his wife, Denise Sandager, began flying in 1978. He was a private pilot for over 40 years. Six of seven years ago, he decided to get his instrument, commercial, and flight instructor certificates. Most recently, he flew to Perryville, Mo to see the solar eclipse. He chuckled at the recollection of looking down at the traffic backed up on the Interstate as he flew back home.