On May 18, youth ages 13 to 18 are invited to the free Introduction to Aviation event at the Rocky Airport.

Alan Acker, treasurer with the Rocky Mountain Flying Club, says youth will go for a flight in a real airplane or helicopter during the event.

The event will also feature a pilot who will be on hand to give tours of the aircrafts and answer questions about careers in aviation.

Acker says the event has inspired scores of young flight enthusiasts since its launch in 2009.

“We’ve flown hundreds of local kids over the years,” says Aker. “We have had a couple of kids who have went on to be professional pilots.”

Acker says many kids and youth have a natural interest in flight, and the event often serves to inspire an even deeper interest.

He adds that participants must pre-register. They can e-mail him at 44flyeraa@gmail.com.

The event starts at 9:30 a.m.