Learn to fly: Ground School offered

The Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 512 will again be hosting a Private Pilot Ground School starting in January 2013, with a pre-registration and information meeting on Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. The class will be one evening a week for approximately 16 weeks. This is the seventh year we have presented this class, which is tailored for those interested in earning a private pilot’s license, and prepares participants to take the required FAA written knowledge exam. Instruction is provided free by some very dedicated local volunteer instructors. There is a fee for books and supplies. The class does not include flight instruction, but does provide the student with the technical knowledge needed to complete flight training. Class size is limited to 40. Contact Al Herron at 530-626-4165 or visit hangtowneaa512.org for more information.

EAA Chapter 512 is the local Placerville chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). This is an international organization of aviation enthusiasts (176,000 members; 156,000 in the U.S.) dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the freedom of flight at the personal level. EAA consists of over 1,000 local chartered Chapters, including a number of international Chapters in Europe, South America and Africa. Both EAA and EAA Chapter 512 are 501(c)(3) non-profit corporations.

EAA Chapter 512’s motto is “Aviate and Educate.” We conduct a number of programs aimed at providing a gateway for area residents to become involved in aviation, and all the personal benefits aviation can provide. These programs include Young Eagles, which provides free introductory flights for youngsters aged 8 through 17, a free private pilot ground school for those interested in or working on obtaining a pilot’s license, monthly meetings and aviation programs open to the public, pancake breakfasts at the airport, and support of aircraft display days and airport open house activities.