Children are invited to become a junior aviator and take off on a free flight Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the Vernon Airport.

The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association For Kids Program is for ages eight to 17 and pairs them up with COPA member pilots, who show them what aviation is all about and gives them the experience of being in the cockpit of an aircraft in flight.

For 10-year old Maia Cesario last year’s flight is one she won’t forget.

“I learned about the parts of the airplane and how to use them,” said Cesario.  “At first I was a little bit nervous, but by the end of the flight I wanted to do it again.”

Before getting time in the air, young fliers also get a lesson on the ground where they learn about the airplane, the science of flying, and what it takes to earn their own pilot’s license.

Once complete, junior pilots’ names are added to the COPA national virtual logbook to commemorate their flight.

Each participant will get to take a 15-minute flight thanks to Vernon Flying Club pilots who donate their time, aircraft and fuel, to give kids an aviation experience they will never forget.

The kiddie barrel aeroplanes will be chugging around the airport for those too young to fly in the big airplanes.

Children with permission from a parent can pre-register by emailing c4k.vernon@shaw.ca.

Pre-registration is not necessary but it is encouraged to avoid disappointment as space is limited.  Registration will start at 8 a.m. Saturday.