Retailer makes donation to youth aviation program

Great Lakes Outdoor Supply makes the assist to EAA Chapter 5 Summer Youth Aviation Camp

Great Lakes Outdoor Supply made a donation of $1,000 to EAA Chapter 5 Summer Youth Aviation Camp.

Ralph Spidalieri, owner of Great Lakes Outdoor Supply in Middlefield, last week donated $1,000 to the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 5 Summer Youth Aviation Camp program.

Spidalieri said it was a privilege and honor to have motivated a community serving the chapter in Geauga County.

“It is our responsibility to introduce various interests and fields to our young men and women as paths for careers, and a direction for their education to assist them in their decision,” he said. “I have been serving as Geauga County commissioner since 2012 and have been excited to support the county airport with various programs and improvements.”

The presentation took place at the start of the EAA Chapter 5 Business Meeting in Hangar 3 of the Geauga County Airport.

The Summer Youth Aviation Camp was held June 17 through 21 for campers in sixth through ninth grades.

According to the airport, only 18 campers were accepted for the inaugural program.

Campers participated in Ground School and Building Sessions in the morning, where they learned about instrumentation, navigation, sheet metal riveting and fabric covering.

During the afternoon, activities included tours of various hangars, experiment-based learning activities and listening to Career Day speakers.

Campers also took turns at flying the flight simulators in the AvLab donated by Discovery Aviation and flying Tello drones provided by Tamarack Aerial Service.

The Young Eagles were also given an opportunity to take a flight with a certified instructor pilot from EAA Chapter 5. Chapter 5 members volunteered their time to serve as staff and pilots throughout the week.

Several of the campers, the chapter confirmed, have since continued their aviation studies via online programs available to Young Eagles. Having an interest in aviation from when he was a child, Spidalieri said he always dreamed of one day flying and owing a helicopter.

“I was able to make both a reality and currently own a helicopter today,” he added. “I am proud to support the youth program with a donation and would encourage other people and businesses not to miss in supporting this great effort.”

Donations continue to be accepted through “EAA Chapter 5” at P. O. Box 1213 Middlefield, Ohio 44062.