Aviation enthusiasts will have the opportunity to learn about and tour more than 50 experimental, commercial, private and military aircraft on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Aviation Day at the Florida Keys Marathon Airport.</p><p>Now in its third year, this free family-oriented event drew more than 1,500 visitors last year. It's organized by the Florida Keys Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association.</p><p>"We will have some great World War II-era War Birds, but some of the most interesting aircraft are the experimental airplanes built by our members," board member Frank Derfler said. The local EAA chapter has 130 members. "There is plenty of space and time for discussions with pilots and mechanics."</p><p>Franco Piaccibello of Sugarloaf Key has been an EAA member for 20 years, and he will be showing off his latest creation--a striking Savannah-VG Float Plane. This bright yellow and blue light sport aircraft takes off in a short distance from land or water. Photos of the aircraft are posted on his website www.francopiacibello.smugmug.com.</p><p>"Every airplane that you build is unique," he said. "The rules of experimental aircraft give you a chance to put your own ideas into the construction. I participated in Aviation Day last year, and the visitors were very interested in the construction, the time and the materials used for the aircraft."</p><p>The EAA is an international organization of aviation enthusiasts who share a passion for flying, building, and restoring recreational aircraft. Defler said that their goal for this event is to reach out to anyone of any age who has an interest in aviation.</p><p>"We are also particularly interested in helping young people get information about careers in aviation and technology," he said. "This is a great way to inspire kids towards those subjects. We have that passion for flight and want to pass it on to the next generation."</p><p>The EAA Young Eagles program will provide free airplane rides to young people between 8 and 17 with parental permission. Defler said that last year they flew and gave certificates to over 100 Young Eagles. Sightseeing flights will also be available to other attendees for a fee.</p><p>The Young Eagles program was started in 1992 by the head organization, and the goal was to fly 1 million young people by 2001--the 100-year anniversary of Orville Wright's first flight. They met that goal and have now added 500,000 more. The local chapter alone has flown more than 1,500 young people. </p><p>Over the past six years, the local chapter has given out more than 12 flying scholarships ranging from $1,500-$2,500 to help young people pay for flight training needed to get a pilots license.</p><p>Kelsey Burkman, 18, of Big Pine joined the Young Eagle program one year ago, because she had a growing interest in aviation. She was inspired by interacting with pilots who shared her passion, she said, and is currently a student-pilot.</p><p>"Last year at Aviation Day, I did everything from taking a ride in an airplane to sitting in a jet and being shown how everything works," she said. "I think that the Young Eagles program is very inspiring for youths. It helps spark their interest in aviation with a free flight where they're told about the operation of the aircraft, and then from there, they provide many more educational opportunities to help fuel that interest further."</p><p>Marathon Aviation Day is open to the public. Admission and parking is free. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Sightseeing flights are available for a fee. For more information, visit eaamarathon.com or e-mail fderfler@gmail.com.