The Young Eagles program got DeKalb area kids airborne this weekend.

Chapter 241 of the Experimental Aviation Association held an event at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport on Saturday morning, providing free airplane rides to children 8 to 17-years-old.

The goal of the program is to familiarize children with aviation and the aviation industry.

“We want to give them the experience and the thrill of flight,” said Rose Ellen May, Young Eagles coordinator.

Before the ride, pilots explained to their passengers the basic components of the aircraft and the principals of flight, and demonstrated a walk-around check of the plane.

Then, they took to the skies.

The flights, which lasted from 15 to 20 minutes, provided firsthand familiarity with the single-engine aircraft. Passengers tall enough were given the opportunity to control the plane while sitting next to the pilot.

Nancy Benson, parent of two Young Eagles and looking after three more, expressed some anxiety about sending the young ones into the wild blue yonder.

“When they got in the plane, I got a little anxious,” said Benson, “But my mom let me do it, so I figured my kids should be able to.”

Other parents were less reserved.

Matt Tomlinson was excited to have his 8-year-old son Tyler experiencing the flight.

“We live right near here and he loves watching them go by,” said Tomlinson.

Alan Abbel, a volunteer pilot with 42 years of experience and owner of seven aircraft, also was present.

“When I was 14, I was doing everything I could to be around airplanes,” said Abell. “It’s an evangelistic endeavor.”

All of the program costs are paid by volunteers.

“Pilots used their own planes and paid for fuel themselves,” said May. “We are very fortunate to have dedicated pilots.”

Next year’s Young Eagles program dates are still undecided, but they will be posted on Chapter 241’s Web site, www.eaa241.org, once determined.