Some people change our lives. Many of us remember a particular time when we watched a plane take off, heard a pilot describe the fall color from 2,000 feet, or seen the broad grin on the face of a pilot who just completed his first solo flight. These experiences encourage us to dream and to make those dreams come true.

Perhaps one such event occurred recently when flight instructor and president of USUA Flying Club #160, Gary Brown (USUA #A72902), participated in the New Oxford Middle School "October Sky" activities. The event was inspired by the movie "October Sky" (1990) where Homer Hickum of Coalwood, WV sees Sputnik crossing the sky. Inspired to build rockets, his dream and determination eventually lead him to become an engineer at NASA. A group of eighth grade teachers from New Oxford Middle School saw the movie and as a result, they realized it contained some important messages teenagers could relate to.

Flight instructor, Gary Brown (left forefront wearing cap), talks with interested students from New Oxford Middle School, New Oxford, PA. (Photo courtesy of Darryl Wheeler, of the Gettysburg Times)

As part of the school activities held from October 28 through 31, 2003, Gary Brown used his Aquilla trike for his discussion with the students. Gary told USUA that he was invited by one of the teachers. " . . . it was very rewarding for me," Gary said. He was expecting to see only 10 to 15 students who might be interested in seeing his ultralight and talking with him. However, he was introduced to a gathering of about 160 students from 10 eighth grade classes!

Most of the students showed a genuine interest in Gary and his trike - not the usual group who just show up so they can get out of class. "What surprised me most was the quality of the questions from all the students," Gary said. "Their questions were mostly about cost, speed, fun, storage, safety, and a comparison to general [aviation] aircraft. Of the topics discussed, I felt safety was their highest priority. Kids are funny, where most adults avoid such a question; they simply ask, 'Did you ever crash?' I think they appreciated that I answered 'Yes' and described in detail a mishap I had and what caused it." Gary discussed the importance of good flight instruction. He also told them that most modern ultralights are safer than the earlier models.

At the conclusion of the event, staff at the school asked Gary to come back for next year's event. He is proud to have had the opportunity to educate young people to the sport of ultralighting and as Gary says, he hopes "to be a good ambassador for our sport."

Carol L. Plotnick
Managing Editor
United States Ultralight Association, Inc.