Aviation Club event takes wing Saturday

Drone races and a flight simulator will be featured Saturday during an indoor flying event in Coeur d’Alene.

Hosted by the Aviation Club, a recently formed group of local flying enthusiasts, the event is open to the public and will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1170 W. Prairie Ave.

To complete the drone race, flyers must navigate their crafts through light-up hula-hoops attached to cones around the room. People are encouraged to bring their own drones, but the club has some that people can borrow if they need.

“We have an obstacle course set up that people can fly through. We time them and the winner gets a prize,” said Shaun Andrews, Aviation Club president.

The flight simulator, provided by club volunteer Allen Peterson, will give attendees a chance to use controllers and pedals to control an aircraft on the screen.

Burgers will be sold as well, and all profits will go to the Aviation Club.

“Our goal is to provide activities that introduce kids of all ages and all abilities to the joy of flying,” said Charlie Branch, secretary and treasurer of the Aviation Club.

The Aviation Club is sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, chapter 1254 in Coeur d’Alene. The group has only been active for a few months and is trying to attract more members.

“Our focus is that any child can participate in this,” said Jane Graybill, a member of the advisory board for the Aviation Club. “Whether they are handicapped or in a wheelchair, it doesn’t take a throwing arm. We’re targeting children, with a focus on handicapped children.”

Not only is the Aviation Club seeking more members, it also wants to acquire a real plane and support a project where members can work together to deconstruct and reconstruct the aircraft.

For more information, contact club president Shaun Andrews at ShaunAndrewsMail@aim.com or club secretary Charlie Branch at BoyingtonFieldChamp@gmail.com.