Pilots inspire the youth, show enthusiasts how they land on snow

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — This week’s winter storms were a headache for many Rockfordians, but at the Cottonwood Airport, pilots said it could not have come at a better time.

“It came at a great time,” said Chapter President Mark Grocholl. “This is an event we try to do every year, but it always is weather dependent with all the snow coming in the day and the weather warmed up, it turned just kind of perfect.”

Planes Elgin and Aurora flew into the airport for the Local Experimental Aircraft Association’s Annual Ski PLane Fly-In.

“There’s nothing like the perspective you get when you’re out there flying. It’s totally different,” said Grocholl. “You leave everything below on the ground.”

Grocholl said events like these are bigger than just an opportunity to fly. He feels these sorts of events inspire the next generation of pilots.

“So, we’ve been able to do this in the last four years,” said Grocholl. “Do scholarships for teenagers who are learning to fly. People who are out here flying today got their license through the scholarship programs and are just out here trying to… inspire more people to come out and get involved.”

Peter Burchell is one of many who have been inspired to get involved.

“Yeah, I really have wanted to be a pilot,” said Burchell. “I like the turns are pretty fun because like, you kind of feel it, like turning.”

“I think everybody just wants to give back. I really think there’s a big piece of that. It really inspires people because it’s a lot of work and then they feel like it’s a challenge to get over,” said Grochell. “And then once you get those people out there who’ve done it, they want to give it back because it’s really been a great process and it really brings a lot out of the kids.”