35 Kids Took Flight at Rocky Mountain Aero Group’s Young Eagles Rally
This past weekend, Rocky Mountain Aero Group was proud to host an incredible EAA Young Eagles Rally at KGWS | Sumers Airpark (Glenwood Springs Airport), creating unforgettable first-flight experiences for kids and families across our region.
By the end of the day, what started as a community aviation event had become something much bigger.
The numbers tell part of the story:
41 total flights completed
63 passengers flown
35 individual kids introduced to aviation
Several parents and adults also had the opportunity to fly alongside their children, making the experience even more meaningful for families
For many of these students, this was their very first time in a small aircraft.
The excitement was immediate! From nervous anticipation on the ramp, to wide smiles after touchdown, to the flood of questions about how airplanes work, how to become a pilot, and what other careers exist in aviation.
That is exactly why this matters.
At Rocky Mountain Aero Group, we believe aviation exposure should not be limited by geography, background, or access. For many young people in mountain communities like ours, opportunities to engage directly with aviation and aerospace can feel distant or inaccessible.
This event helped change that.
A Young Eagles Rally is more than just a plane ride. It is often the first spark. The moment aviation becomes real, personal, and possible.
But for Rocky Mountain Aero Group, this event is only the beginning.
Our mission is not simply to create one memorable day. We are intentionally building a long-term aviation and aerospace pipeline for youth in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley and surrounding communities through year-round programs, mentorship, STEM experiences, career exploration, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Students who discovered a new passion at this event can continue that journey through our growing programs, including:
Young Eagles Club
Aviation Explorer Post 777 Program
Aviation Summer Camps
Aviation and aerospace workshops
Airport tours and industry exposure events
Community Makes This Possible
Events like this only happen because of incredible community support.
We extend our sincere gratitude to:
Our volunteer pilots who generously donated their aircraft, fuel, time, and expertise
EAA Young Eagles for the program framework that makes these experiences possible
KGWS | Sumers Airpark (Glenwood Springs Airport) for hosting and supporting the event
Aspen Flight Academy (AFA) for helping strengthen aviation training pathways for students in our region
Colorado River BOCES for supporting career-connected learning opportunities for local youth
Glenwood Springs High School Junior ROTC cadets for volunteering their time and energy
Community partners and volunteers who helped make the day run smoothly
The families who trusted us with their children’s first aviation experiences.
This was a true community effort, and the impact was undeniable.
What’s Next?
If your child attended this event and left wanting more, that excitement does not have to end here.
Rocky Mountain Aero Group is actively building pathways for students who want to keep exploring aviation, aerospace, engineering, and related careers.
This was not just a successful event.
It was the beginning of future pilots, engineers, airport leaders, technicians, innovators, and dreamers taking their first step.
And we are just getting started.
