SkY Flight (Skagit Youth Flight) is a chapter-sponsored project to introduce local high school students to what it takes to build and maintain aircraft. The goal is to make a flyable Cessna 150 out of two donor airplanes. The students will do most of the work, with assistance and supervision from members of Chapter 818 and some local A&P technicians.
SkY Flight meets every Thursday evening at 6 pm at the Skagit Regional Airport, hangar 300 on the south side of the field. From Highway 20, take Higgins Airport Way north, turn left at the sign for the Heritage Flight Museum, then look for the SkY Flight sign on the right. New students and parents are welcome–just show up to the next work session. Or you can contact Dan Holden (tail_wheel@hotmail.com) or Jay Findlay (jayfindlay@aol.com) for more info.
We need donations to help cover the costs of materials and services needed to make the airplane airworthy–things like engine parts, crankshaft inspections and a new prop. If you’d like to make a cash donation or have something we could sell for cash, please contact Dan Holden. Chapter 818 is a 501(c)(3) organization, so all contributions are tax deductible.
cramped quarters
Project Status Updates
- Work Program December 26-January 16
In order to prepare the engine, the connecting rods needed to be protected. The bolts were cleaned and, after being instructed, Carter applied the sealant, and the bolts were applied to hold the crankcase together. There was a demonstration regarding how to inspect an oil filter and also an explanation how to correctly install the safety wires. The rust was removed from the cylinders and the rudders and brake pedals were installed. While the young people were hard at work with their mentors, other adults were cleaning and constructing donated airplane models to be hung at True North Bakery at the Skagit Regional Airport.
- December 19, 2024 Work Session
The program gained a new participant, Titus, who was assisted by Zadoc to craft his name tag. Jonathon and Carter researched a bolt that was needed. The rudder pedal was linked to the steering yoke. Time was taken to explain the function of a solenoid.
- Work Session December 12, 2024
The work continues as the Cessna begins to take shape.
+The cowling was attached after Carter finished the last bracket.
+Mentors Jay and Bill took the brake pads’ lining off. In cramped quarters Tony, Jonathon and Josiah continue to work on the brakes.
+The crankcase will soon be put together. Jonathon and Josiah practiced using silk thread to create a gasket. Josiah dabbed on the sealant. This was all removed, so that another group can practice the process.
+Zadok and Dan put together a dish cart as a favor for the local restaurant near Skagit airfield.
