WMU aviation fraternity hosting fly-in open house in Battle Creek Saturday
BATTLE CREEK — Alpha Eta Rho-Theta, the professional aviation fraternity at Western Michigan University's College of Aviation, invites the public to get up close and personal with a variety of aircraft this weekend in Battle Creek.
The fraternity's annual "fly-in" open house will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at WMU's Aviation Education Center, 237 Helmer Road North, with attendees having the opportunity to get a closer look at WMU's training aircraft, a MedFlight Helicopter and a helicopter from the Michigan State Police, among other aircraft.
Air traffic control simulators and a paper airplane contest will also be part of the festivities, and complimentary 15-20 minute flights will be offered for kids ages 8-17 courtesy of Young Eagles.
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An Easter egg hunt featuring WMU mascot Buster Bronco will also be held during the event at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
"It’s a great way for kids to be around some airplanes," Matt Rendell, a WMU junior and president of Alpha Eta Rho-Theta, explained Tuesday. "It’s absolutely free to come out, fly your aircraft in, drive in and check out our facility, check out some of the aircraft."
Hamburgers and hot dogs will be available for purchase during the event. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase seat time in WMU's Cirrus and Boeing 737 simulators.
All proceeds from Saturday's event will help cover the cost of experiences for Alpha Eta Rho-Theta members, including an upcoming tour of Delta Airlines in Detroit.
"The Alpha Eta Rho fly-in provides an opportunity for the members to network with others in the aviation community and for the community to learn more about the Western Michigan University College of Aviation," Raymond Thompson, dean of WMU's College of Aviation, said in a statement. "The aviation industry is facing a major labor shortage in all areas, not just pilots and technicians. Many youth don’t think aviation is a career option. Interacting with the Alpha Eta Rho members helps them learn aviation is an option and building personal relationships with aviation students."
This will be Rendell's second year helping organize the fly-in event. He's said he's looking forward to connecting with people and showing what WMU, and aviation as a whole, has to offer.
"I'm excited to see people excited to be in this space and get excited about aviation," Rendell said. "The community outreach is really important to us. We think it’s important especially to (connect with) that next generation (of kids) that are going to pursue aviation."
More information about Saturday's fly-in event is available here.
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: WMU aviation fraternity hosting fly-in open house Saturday
