The Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 855, headquartered at Slatington Airport, fosters camaraderie among pilots and supports those who build kit airplanes.

But a more important purpose, according to EAA Chapter 855 President Gene Salvatore, is to introduce youth to its Young Eagles program that started in 1992 with free flights.

The group is having a rally at Slatington Airport 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 14.

The youngsters meet volunteer pilots and are urged to ask questions to learn more about airplanes and the principals of flight.

"The program is for kids 8- to 17-years-old," Salvatore said. "Each person has a camera to use. For part of the 20-minute flight, they will be flying the plane."

The pictures are put on a website so kids can see each other's photos.

At the end of a flight, a logbook with the day's flight logged and a certificate will be presented.

The logbook has a unique code that provides free membership, which includes EAA Sporty aviation magazine online, an e-newsletter and free admission to 300-plus science and technology museums, Salvatore explained.

Sporty's Learn to Fly course, free with membership, is an interactive online course with real-world video and 3D animations.

Anyone 13 years of age who has completed the first three volumes of the course earns a free flight lesson at a flight school of their choice.

The instructor certifies to the Federal Aviation Administration when the student is ready to pass the written test.

For those who pass, the Young Eagles program will pay for the test.

At the last rally there were five airplanes but if there are not enough or if the weather keeps the planes down, the youngster will be put on a list to fly during an evening suitable to both the pilot and student.

Salvatore said the United States is facing a pilot shortage.

"In this age of uncertain job prospects, pilots are almost guaranteed to get a job at a regional airport," he explained. "To become an airline pilot is not easy but people who love to fly will endure low wages at first until a larger airline has a place.

"There are airline academies that teach nothing but skills needed to be an airline pilot.

Salvatore said the schools costs as much as a four-year college but in today's economy, college does not guarantee a job.

"Boeing says the country will be short 150,000 pilots in the next 10 years as the Pacific Rim countries look for pilots in an area where aviation is exploding," Salvatore said.

There are not many people taking pilot training, so he thinks it is important. Some scholarships are available.

The EAA has a technical counselor program that mentors anyone building a kit plane, which is what Salvatore did.

When small, lightweight dependable engines were developed, the program helped those who wanted to build their own planes. Each one has to pass FAA inspection.

Salvatore said he qualifies as a tech counselor - a person someone can call to see if the builder is doing things correctly and he may make suggestions about the shop where work is being done.

"People just want someone else to look at what they are doing," Salvatore said. "They learn fabric covering and spray painting by creating a frame instead of learning on the actual plane.

"You don't install anything on the plane until you know it is perfect."

Salvatore said across the country airports are closing.

"It is critical we have pilots," he said. "The pilot population is a strategic asset for the country."

The closest EAA chapter other than Slatington is Braden Airport Chapter 70 in Forks Township.

For information, go to youngeagles.org or log on to 855.eaachapter.org.