Local pilot offers free flights to promote aviation to youths

Lifting off the ground, Fred Wright wonders what goes through youngsters’ minds as they enter the atmosphere.

“It’s a joy to take the kids up in an airplane and see their expressions and maybe what they’re thinking,” Wright said.

For the past 19 years, the Zanesville pilot has been actively promoting aviation to the youth population with his involvement in the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Program.

Every summer, the local EAA Chapter 425 offers pancake breakfasts and airplane rides to children to get them involved with Young Eagles. When the weather cooperates, turnout generally consists of about three dozen eager children. Since 1992, Wright has given more than 200 young people free plane rides.

“I think it’s a wonderful program,” Wright said. “They go all out; it’s a big program in more than 90 countries.”

Young Eagles is geared toward children ages 8 to 17. Volunteer EAA pilots such as Wright donate their time to flying and describing the safe operation of airplanes and principles of flight.

“I go through and explain what makes a plane fly, what makes it turn and where the lift comes from,” Wright said. “I also let them fly a little bit while I’m up with them.

“I always wonder how much kids are really interested in it,” he continued. “Some just want to look out and take pictures, and others are thrilled and you can’t do enough for them. The flights usually last about 15 minutes. We usually go over the Y Bridge, out to West Muskingum and Dillon (State Park), then back (to Riverside or Parr Airport). I also try to pick out something they know like where they live, and that winds them up.”

Each participating child receives a signed log book from their pilot, and their name is added to the World’s Largest Logbook on permanent display in the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wis., and on the Young Eagles website.

A humble Wright credits local program success to his fellow pilots who also have tirelessly worked to reach out to children.

“Once it was introduced into the schools, that sparked the interest quite a bit,” he said. “A lot of kids didn’t and still don’t realize this is going on.”

Oddly enough, considering his last name, flight has been in Wright’s blood for quite some time. He has been flying for more than 30 years, and owns a Piper Tri-Pacer, a small, three-passenger plane. His son, Doug Wright, also is a pilot. While Doug flies with ABX Air, he also lends his time to the Young Eagles.

“It’s fun to see the big smiles on kids’ faces,” Doug said. “It’s rewarding, and I know Dad thinks so, too.”

“Over the years, I’ve met a lot of nice kids, and I really enjoy it,” Fred added. “It’s about promoting aviation.”