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EAA provided free plane rides over the weekend

ALPENA, Mich — Over the weekend, local residents literally took advantage of the blue skies as the Experimental Aircraft Association offered approximately 75 free rides to those in attendance.

Their goal was to introduce the public to the world of aviation.

Various aircraft such as the Aeronca, the Britten Norman Islander and the Amphibious were out compliments of the EAA.

While many were eager to fly, some were there to socialize while others were apprehensive.

VP of Sales and Marketing, Kate Fredericks and Thomas Vanduimen, who has been flying for approximately 40 years, were a couple of the pilots giving rides on Saturday.

In addition to free plane rides, attendees enjoyed lunch and an antique, classic, and hot rod car show all while implementing safe social distancing practices.

We asked owner of Great Lakes Air, Robert Currier his favorite part of flying and he said, “Peace and the calm.”

Currier encourages everyone to give flying a try and he said the lessons are not very expensive.

For information on flight lessons, you can visit, eaa1021.org