If you heard a little extra buzz coming from Albert Whitted Airport recently, it is for a good reason. EAA Chapter 1602 hosted its annual Young Eagles Hangar Crawl, drawing members, airport neighbors, and curious first-timers behind the fence for an evening that showed aviation as it operates day-to-day at KSPG.

The Experimental Aircraft Association is an international organization dedicated to aviation education, safety, and participation. The Young Eagles program is its flagship youth initiative, offering free introductory flights to young people and connecting them with pilots. Local chapters bring that mission to life, and Albert Whitted Airport remains a natural fit: a working general aviation airport with a community that regularly intersects with what happens on the field.

The crawl kicked off near the Civil Air Patrol and worked its way along the taxiways, stopping at hangars that showed off a mix of aircraft and personalities. Pilots, aircraft owners, and flight instructors were everywhere, answering questions and explaining what it’s like to fly and maintain these airplanes.

Featured aircraft included a Beechcraft Sierra, an RV-9A, and the Mooney Anomaly, which was impossible to miss. Parked on its brightly colored matching pad, it drew a steady crowd. Liam Hawkins kept things lively with stories about the aircraft and where he flies. At another stop, Andrew Gryshchenko, a young pilot based at Albert Whitted, talked through his experience flying an RV-9A, giving visitors a perspective on what it’s like to be part of the airport’s next generation. Along the route, the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital LifeLine Critical Care Transport helicopter was visible on the field. It’s a regular presence at Albert Whitted, where medical aircraft fuel and sometimes stage between missions.

Small groups rotated between hangars at their own pace, guided by hosts who answered questions and kept traffic flowing. 

Dinner followed the crawl in the form of walking tacos, also known as “taco in a bag.” Not long after, the s’mores station appeared, fully stocked with Oreos, marshmallows, chocolate sauce, and all the right extras.

EAA Chapter 1602 enjoys a screening of Our City, Our Airport

Image Credits: EAA Chapter 1602

At 6:00 p.m., an emptied hangar transitioned into a theater. Lawn chairs appeared as Walt Driggers and the Friends of Albert Whitted Airport welcomed approximately 130 attendees for a screening of Our City, Our Airport, projected onto the east hangar wall. As the film played, downtown skyline lights appeared. After the screening, attendees lingered, chatting with neighbors, pilots, and fellow visitors. 

The evening was made possible by Chris Gregory, president of EAA Chapter 1602, with support from chapter members and volunteers. The scale of the turnout reflected growing interest in both the Young Eagles program and the airport itself. If you missed this one, don’t worry, the Hangar Crawl is an annual event, followed by a Fourth of July gathering in the summer. EAA Chapter 1602 meets every third Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at The Hangar Restaurant.

January 20, 2026

Nisuka Williams