Marion man gives kids the urge to fly
Harry "Skip" Sieger still remembers his first airplane ride back when he was a lad of eight or nine.
"It was in a Beech red and white Bonanza," the rural Marion farmer said with a smile. "At that point, I was more interested in the airplane and pilot than I was in the flight."
Nowadays, Sieger is more likely to be interested in the flight because usually he's the pilot.
Sieger has taken a life-long interest in flying and turned it into a hobby — one he likes to share with others, especially young people. Recently, Sieger was honored by the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) for giving more than 100 young people a free demonstration ride as part of EAA's "Young Eagles" program. The goal of the program is to introduce a new generation to the world of flight.
All pilots in the Young Eagle program explain the safe operation of airplanes and principles of flight before the short trips.
Participants receive a certificate signed by the pilot after the flight making them members of "Eagle Flight." The names of pilots and participants also are included in the "World's Largest Logbook," on permanent display in the EAA Air Adventure Museum in Oshkosh, Wis.
Sieger has been around aircraft and flight for years. He learned to fly in 1964 and obtained his private license. He obtained a commercial license in 1970.
"I was a mechanic for the Air National Guard. Then after the Korean War, I used the GI Bill benefits and got a commercial license," he recalled. "I never flew professionally. I'd like to fly fancy airplanes. But I love what I'm doing, puttering around in the sky and all."
For Sieger, flying is a hobby. He and his wife Eileen make a living farming. "If you can call it that," he added.
Several years ago, Sieger was one of a group of local individuals — all were interested in flying — who helped start the Marion County Aviation Association. Members came from Marion, Hillsboro, and even some from Herington.
The group began giving free rides at the airport on Saturdays to kids between the ages of six and 17, part of the EEA's "Young Eagle's program."
"After that first ride the kids would get a picture signed by Chuck Yaeger. There's a possibility it will spark an interest in aviation," he explained. "They want kids to get the bug to want to fly."
Locally, the Young Eagles flights are usually offered Sundays in September or October at Marion, Hillsboro, or Herington airports.
"We can give 30 or 40 kids rides in one morning," Sieger said. "It seems like some kids come all the time. If a kid in this community wants an airplane ride, it's possible to get one."
Even when Sieger isn't busy promoting the Young Eagles program, he indulges his passion for flying. About every Saturday, Sieger can attend what's known as a fly-in at some airport in Kansas, get breakfast, visit with other pilots, and look at other planes.
Sieger flies a Cherokee 140, a plane he co-owns with Greg Bowers, Jim Davis and Tim Summerville.
"Co-owning a plane is the only way to make flying affordable," he said. "The initial cost isn't so bad, but there's annual inspection, insurance is high, and it's a lot more affordable if you can share the cost.
"And most days the plane is available," he said.
Back when Sieger was taking flying lessons in 1964, plenty of new rental aircraft was available.
"There was a lot of choice among rentals back then," he said. "Now it turns out the same airplanes people are flying now are the ones that were new then."
Unlike cars, trucks, and SUVs, where owners commonly trade every two years, planes are kept much longer due to the high cost.
"Our plane is a 1967 model," Sieger explained. "Most of the planes out there are 20 years old or older.
As for his involvement in the Young Eagles program, Sieger said it is an experience he enjoys.
"It's really fun taking these kids on their first flight," he said. "We try to make sure nothing too interesting happens. The average person is a little apprehensive about going up anyway."
But the best part for Sieger is finding a child who really enjoys the experience.
"When I get one who says 'That was great!' then it makes me feel great too," he said. "That makes my day."
