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Chino, California — June 18, 2008 — While many Harrison Ford fans were eagerly awaiting the opening of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, a group of kids in San Bernardino County, California didn’t have to wait to see the Young Eagles Chairman in person.
Ford was piloting the airplane they were in.
Ford flew seven Young Eagles in his 1958 DH-2 deHavilland Beaver at the Chino Airport on April 12 as part of an EAA Chapter 92 Young Eagles Flight Rally. Altogether, 32 Young Eagles were flown that day.
"I knew I would have a busy schedule in the next few months with the release of the new film, so this was a chance to enjoy a day of flying,” Ford said. “Each Young Eagle flight is an opportunity to excite kids by sharing a passion for flight and to show them that they can participate in aviation at any level."
Ford also encouraged other pilots to fly Young Eagles throughout the year.
“I believe it is vitally important to inspire young people to fly, both for their sake and for the continued future of general aviation,” he said. “We use Young Eagles day to encourage all EAA members to take kids flying, but my hope is that pilots will continue to support the program throughout the year. I am proud to be a Young Eagles pilot and have great appreciation for all the volunteers, both in the air and on the ground, who dedicate themselves to providing Young Eagle flights.”
“General aviation faces challenges from many sides and anything we as EAA members can do to counter the negatives with positive experiences will help support what we enjoy. The freedom we enjoy through flying is a precious privilege we must continue to maintain and nurture.”
Cliff Carpenter, EAA Chapter 92 Young Eagles coordinator, said Ford’s appearance was arranged through the Chino Airport manager, who has been trying to improve the community’s image of the airport, and EAA Chapter 92 President Ray Hecker. Other local dignitaries also attended, including Chino Hills Mayor Curt Hagman and Fourth District Supervisor Gary Ovitt.
“Mr. Ford was just a pilot flying kids, which he loves to do, at an EAA Young Eagles rally,” Hecker said.
Carpenter agreed. “He wasn’t there as Harrison Ford the actor, but rather as the chairman of the Young Eagles program. He really supports Young Eagles and all the wonderful opportunities it affords the kids.”
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The opening ceremony at the EAA Chapter 92 Young Eagles Flight Rally included from left, San Bernardino County Supervisor Gary Ovitt, Chino Airport Manager Brett Godown, Young Eagles Chairman Harrison Ford, EAA Chapter 92 Young Eagles Coordinator Cliff Carpenter and pilot Pete Peterson. Photo courtesy Cliff Carpenter.
Harrison Ford gives preflight instructions to three Young Eagles before they get in Ford’s deHavilland Beaver for a flight on April 12. Photo courtesy Cliff Carpenter.
Harrison Ford, center, joins other Young Eagles pilots in a pre-rally briefing. Photo courtesy Ray Hecker.
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