NORWICH – Four local pilots volunteered their time on Saturday to give free flights to more than 70 local children and teens during Airport Day at the Lt. Warren Eaton Airport in Norwich.

Experimental Aircraft Association members David Dibbell, John Garzione, Jeff MacIntosh and Bryan Pierce used their personal aircraft to give the plane rides as part of the EAA’s Young Eagles program.

According to Dibbell, who serves as the local coordinator for the program, the purpose of the Young Eagles program is “to provide a positive educational exposure to the world of aviation and spark an interest in the sport and the industry.”

Seventy two students between the ages of 8 and 17 received free flights through the program this year, a number the program coordinator said is a record for the event. Last year, the EAA volunteers provided just over 40 of the free flights.