Sydni Anderson (left) and her brother Ethan get set to take a free flight on a small plaine during Arlington Airport Appreciation Day.

 

About 140 kids took a free flight above the Arlington Airport on May 5 during the Airport Appreciation Day.

For many of the kids this was their first experience riding in a small aircraft, said Tim Mensonides, airport coordinator at Arlington Municipal Airport.

"Hopefully we provide a memorable experience and maybe some of these kids will remember that time they got to fly in a plane," he said. "Maybe it lights a fire in them to become pilots or get interested in aviation."

Besides the free flights, kids and families went on wagon rides and got to see 31 other small aircraft on display on the ground.

The Airport Appreciation Day is meant to showcase the airport and show the importance of aviation, said Mensonides.

"You know, we don't just make noise around here, we're an important part of the community."

The Arlington airport is the third largest general aviation airport in the state and Mensonides does feel the community is supportive and friendly toward it.

The event has been held for over eight years now and this year's boasted the largest attendance to date.

The pilots providing free flights were volunteers, and most of the gas costs were not recouped.

"I don't know if you've noticed, but gas can be pretty expensive, so that's pretty big," said Mensonides.

Bruce Angell, who helped bring in and organize some of the volunteers, said that most of them are happy to help at this event every year.

"Some of the people just love aviation, some are here for the sense of community, but most are just here because it's a lot of fun," said Angell.

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