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 400 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.
Here’s a video that gives an overview of the program, with observations from the students and their chapter mentors.
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 tax-deductible cash donation, just click on the button below. Or if you 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
- September/October 2025 Work in Progress
Hangar 400 has been continually filled with enthusiasm while working on the RV. The faring on the vertical stabilizer has been installed. The “tail feathers” have been sanded. The vertical stabilizer and the elevators have been attached to the rudder. The amount of tension needed to the wires for the elevator cables needed to be researched. The seat ramp cover was removed to tension the rudder. Trouble shooting was needed to fix a problem with the radio. The correct safety clips for the tension cables were ordered. Measurements were taken of the Adell clamp to adhere wire to the tail.
- August 2025 Work in Progress
The purchase of the RV12 (kit) has generated excitement in Hangar 400. The completion of this project and its sale will further support the SkY Flight program. The Service Bulletin was reviewed by Carter and Jay. Testing the fuel tank for links was conducted by Priya and Akshay.
Our newest participant, Asher was busy making his badge and was instructed on the use of a few of the power tools in the process. Carter inspected the hub for cracks. The A.D.A.H.A.R.S. was previously installed upside down on the RV which needed to be corrected. The trim motor was removed to be inspected to see if it meets the requirements according to the Service Bulletin.
- July 2025 Work in Progress
We are rebuilding the carburetor but are waiting for it to be inspected before proceeding. Research was needed to mount the yokes on the control system. Also, we went back to the manual to locate the proper screw for attaching the bracket for the air intake. Participants understand that the process entails considerable rechecking measurements and installation.
