By AMY JONES / Associate Editor

Local kids can get the chance to experience flying for free June 30 at the Shelby County Airport.

The Shelby County chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association, a national organization of recreational aircraft and aviation enthusiasts, is sponsoring Young Eagles Day June 30 at the airport.

That day, kids ages 8-17 can fly for free, said EAA member Johnny Ward.

“It’s a great program to promote aviation to the young people,” Ward said.

Advance registration is requested. Parents may register their children by emailing Johnnyward1@yahoo.com and requesting a time to fly — 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon or 1 p.m. Parents should also provide their children’s names and ages.

Registration forms, which must be filled out before children may fly, may be picked up at the Shelby County Airport.

On June 30, parents and children should arrive at least 30 minutes before the flight for registration forms to be gathered and for a briefing. Flights will last about 15 minutes.

Ward said that in the past, the No. 1 source of airline pilots has been ex-military pilots. However, since the military population has been declining, the EAA is working to get young people interested in aviation and potentially aviation careers.

“It’s to let them have the experience of flying,” Ward said.