QUINCY (WGEM) – Local Girl Scout troops took to the skies Sunday during the Girl Scout Day of Aviation, where young scouts learned about aviation and experienced a bird’s eye view of the world.
Quincy University Aviation took local Girl Scouts to the Quincy Regional Airport, where they saw a new perspective on life and career. Organizers wanted girls to see what is possible for their future.
“I was always a girl scout my whole life. And it definitely opens up opportunities for girls to get involved in aviation and see some really cool things like the airplanes, the tarmac, and that kind of stuff,” said Soren Pine, president of the Quincy University Aviation Club.
From the skies, the girls got to see how pilots control the plane and all the important safety measures they go through for a smooth ride.
“We wore headsets, and we talked through a mic, ‘cause up in the air it is really loud,” said Isabelle Leapley, a junior Girl Scout.
The girls had to go through three stations to learn about aviation and get their passports stamped before they were off to the skies.
Mark Heidbreder, chapter president for the Experimental Aircraft Association, said they have similar programs and their biggest hope is looking toward future potential pilots.
“It’s just to instill an interest in young folks,” Heidbreder said.
Girl Scouts that took part in the flight said even though they were nervous, the pilots helped calm their nerves.
“Because of how the pilot talked me through it,” said Izzabelloa Erman, a junior Girl Scout.
They said it afforded them a new perspective.
“We thought the cars looked like toys,” said Abby Taylor, a junior Girl Scout.
Pine said this will hopefully spark an interest for some of the girls to pursue.
“It’s important because there is not a lot of women involved in aviation. And it’s – we’re getting at that age where we need to start thinking about what we want to do whenever we are older,” Pine said.
For a few of the girls, this helped them plan their future career.
“I don’t know, I just want to be a pilot. I like how you get to go in the air. I wanted to be in the Airforce,” said Sophia Leapley, a Brownie in the Girl Scouts.
The girls said going up in the skies is just about knowing you’re ready.
“Do it now, as soon as you feel like you’re brave enough, like I am,” said Laura Lana, a Brownie.
This was the third year for the event. The pilots that taught Sunday donated their time and money in hopes to spark an interest in aviation for those who attended.
https://www.wgem.com/2026/04/26/girl-scouts-take-flight-quincy-regional-airport