Kiwanian and Airport Manager, Chris Hughes, prepares Makiah Tanner for her ride while her father, Jason Tanner, of Washington, looks on. During Mule Day last weekend, over 50 kids got free airplane rides right across the street at the Washington Wilkes Airport.

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagle pilot Keith Donker from Evans, Georgia, provided the rides in his Cessna 182 aircraft, according to Chris Hughes the airport's fixed base operator. The free flights were made possible through EAA's Young Eagle Program which is designed to foster interest in aviation to young people, ages 6-18, and to give them an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane.

More than 1.1 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight since the Program's inception in 1992.

The Young Eagle Program is made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteer pilots. Donker flew to the Washington- Wilkes Airport Saturday morning and gave rides from noon until 4 p.m. The event was sponsored by Chris and Jill Hughes of "This Old Plane," the EAA, and the Kiwanis Club of Washington.

Four Kiwanians were on hand to help with coordination of the event - Bill Smith, Mandy Whisnant, Mark Waters, and Hughes.

In case you missed your free flight, the same event will be scheduled for next year's Mule Day.