Free airplane rides attract crowds at Burke Lakefront Airport

CLEVELAND - It was a dream come true for more than 50 children attending the Young Eagles Rally at Cleveland's Burke Lakefront Airport.

Free 20-minute-long airplane and helicopter rides were given to children ages 8-17. Following the flight everyone was instructed on how an airplane works and the importance of safety in aviation.

"The reaction from the kids has been across the board smiles. Every single one of them told me this is what they want to do" said Drew Ferguson, president of Phastar , a Northeast Ohio based, non-profit aviation corporation born out of a vision to improve the quality of public health, education and safety services in Northeast Ohio.

Following their flight each person receives a certificate making them an official Young Eagle.

The rally was created to interest the next generation of children in aviation. Since the program was launched in 1992, volunteer EAA pilots have flown over 1.4 million children residing in more than 90 different countries.

A special performance of Black Angels Over Tuskegee will be coming to Cleveland on November 16, 2012. Money from this show will be used to help fund future events hosted by The Young Eagles.