LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, April 17, 2007 "INTRO TO AVIATION" SEMINAR SET FOR MAY 12 AT SANFORD AIRPORT SANFORD -- As flying becomes critical for industry and a more-affordable way to spend leisure time, the number of people taking to the sky continues to soar. Still, many people have no idea how they can get in on the action. "INTRO TO AVIATION @ the airport," a free afternoon seminar at the Sanford-Lee County Regional Airport, will answer those questions -- with an overview of private aviation and a close-up look at aircraft. Scheduled for Saturday, May 12, at 1 p.m., the seminar is offered by the Wings of Carolina Flying Club. Cosponsors include the North Carolina Division of Aviation, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association and Lee County Economic Development Corp. "A lot of people have always dreamed of flying, but they don't understand that it's not all that difficult to earn a pilot's license," says Paul Wilder, president of the local flying club. "And they don't realize all of the places they can go once they have it. "This seminar is an easy and fun way to learn about the options, not to mention a great opportunity to get answers to all of those questions you've always had." Wilder says the afternoon will begin with an overview of aviation support groups, including some of the seminar sponsors, that provide assistance and services for local pilots. The Wings of Carolina Flying Club, for example, rents aircraft, offers safety seminars and holds social events for members. Special activities include "fly-ins," a sort of aeronautical field trip to get some flying time and visit new places. One popular destination, Wilder says, was the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport near Washington. After the introduction, a slide show will explain general aviation and how to earn a pilot's license. Wilder believes many people will be surprised about the scope of aviation. "People are shocked when I tell them there are 15,000 airports in the country and more than 70 public airports in North Carolina alone," he says. "Pilots based here in Sanford regularly fly to places like Myrtle Beach in a fraction of the time it takes to drive, and there are even five different airports along the Outer Banks." Wilder says family vacations are popular destinations for the 236,000 private pilots in the United States -- and the number is more than a half million if you count commercial pilots, too. But others fly for business, recreation or simply to enjoy a personal sense of achievement. "INTRO TO AVIATION @ the airport" wraps up with questions and answers, followed by an opportunity to view aircraft. Lunch will be served from noon to 2 p.m. for $5 per person, and door prizes, including free airplane rides, will be awarded. To register, contact the Wings of Carolina Flying Club at 919-776-2003 or info@wingsofcarolina.org. The Wings of Carolina Flying Club, based at the Sanford-Lee County Regional Airport, is one of the oldest flying clubs in the nation, with more than 250 members ranging from new students to professionals flying transatlantic jets. The club provides members with safe aeronautical training, low-cost aviation education and a wide range of other services. The Lee County Economic Development Corp. is a nonprofit organization established to attract industry, enhance job opportunities and promote sound planning across Lee County. Funding is provided by the county, as well as the City of Sanford and Town of Broadway, the two county municipalities. -- 30 -- Media Contacts Paul Wilder, President Wings of Carolina Flying Club 919.776.2003 info@wingsofcarolina.org Bob Heuts, Director Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant 919.774.8439 (phone) 919.775.5410 (fax) info@lcedc.com (e-mail) More on the Web LCEDC Media Web: http://www.lcedc.com/media/ This release: http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr041707.txt Wings of Carolina: http://www.wingsofcarolina.org S-LCR Airport: http://www.sanford-leecoairport.com NC Div. Aviation: http://www.ncdot.org/transit/aviation/ AOPA: http://www.aopa.org EAA: http://www.eaa.org