Young flyers remained grounded with last minute cancellation

WASHINGTON — Many families were disappointed as they excitedly pulled up to the Washington Municipal Airport Saturday morning anticipating soaring through the sky in planes as part of a Young Eagles Rally. Unfortunately, the organization had to cancel the event with short notice.

According to Jessica Blauvelt, a mother from Washington, the organization sent an email to parents that registered for the event to let them know it was canceled due to wind.

“Thank you for your understanding and flexibility with us as we had to reschedule the event for this morning,” the email from Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 33 vice president and Young Eagle Coordinator Justin Cook said. “This is not something we take lightly as everyone has busy schedules and we all want to give the kids the best experience possible.”

“With the rising winds it became apparent that our need to maintain safety while having aircraft available to fly was not going to be met,” he explained to parents in the email.

“They had to reschedule due to pilots not being able to make it,” Main Street Director Samantha Meyer said.

Pulling up to the airport, the parking lot was mostly empty, and no signs communicated the change in plans.

“I didn't see the email in trying to get us ready though, so we went out there,” Blauvelt said. “ … Communication could have been a bit better, but they did send an email. I'm glad they were looking out for the kids’ safety.”

Blauvelt said her 13-year-old son Aric was disappointed, but “disappointments happen in life and safety is definitely priority.”

The event is rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m.-noon and parents that have already registered are signed up in the same spots they selected previously.

“If you are no longer able to make it please let us know ASAP so we can cancel your reservation,” Cook encouraged parents. “This will allow us to free up spots for others to register that are waiting.”

According to one volunteer that stuck around on Saturday, this event had over 70 kids signed up to fly, and according to the Facebook event by the end of July registration and the wait-list were full.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com