Et cetera : Area Girl Scouts learn about flying at the airport, and at the controls

Aaron Stadelmann's parents take his photo with pilot John Steigelmeyer Saturday at the airport.

Young Eagles: Pilot Tim Swift and Girl Scout Emma Voyles flew together in his Long-EZ Saturday.

Area Girl Scouts flew with area pilots as part of the Young Eagles program.

'The Cool Plane:' Girl Scouts looked in awe at the shape of the Long-EZ planes as they landed.

Another group heads toward the runway.

Daisies Sophie Vasquez and Brynn Staab are too young for an EAA flight, but enjoyed this moment.

Girl Scouts Abby Sleege, Peyton Brunner and Kaitlyn McVay.

Girl Scouts taxi toward the runway during the Young Eagles event Saturday.

John Steigelmeyer discusses his plane with Aaron Stadelmann, who is sitting in the pilot's seat.

"She was smiling the whole time! She wouldn't stop saying, 'This is awesome!'"

That is how one area Girl Scout described another Girl Scout's reaction on Saturday, when Scouts from the area gathered at the Vinton Airport for a Fly Iowa and Young Eagles event.

After a weather delay, the girls flew with members of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in a variety of planes, including the Long-EZ. Pilot Tim Swift of Washington was one of those who flew his Long-EZ to Vinton for the event. The Young Eagles program has allowed millions of children throughout the U.S. to enjoy flights for free with volunteer pilots.

One of Swift's Girl Scout co-pilots was Emma Boyles. Emma, like many of the Girl Scouts, had a chance to steer the plane while sitting in the co-pilot's seat.

Parents and club leaders took photos as the smiling girls boarded the plane before the flight, and also when the flights were over. The smiles on their faces were much larger when they landed than before they took off.

Other area pilots and aircraft enthusiasts offered aviation lessons on the ground. Pilots showed children their planes and let them sit in the pilot's seats and wear the headsets the pilots use to communicate while flying.

The event was a continuation of the local celebration of the 100th year of Girl Scouts of America.