Light Flights 2014

Where were you at 4:30 p.m., Friday, December 19, 2014?  I was attending the largest party in town! Yep, the Mendenhall Flying Lions and Coastal Helicopters know how to throw a party!  I hope you were able to make it!

A few of us showed up at the Juneau airport around 3:15 to get syked up and ready for the show,  and people were already lining up!  Never mind the party didn't start until 4:30! By 3:30, I counted well over 75 people in line, waiting to buy tickets!

[ GETTING LAST MINUTE INSTRUCTIONS.  THIS IS THE GROUP OF LIONS AND VOLUNTEERS THAT HELP OUTSIDE GETTING PASSENGERS SAFELY TO THE HELICOPTER AND HELP LOAD AND BUCKLE THEM IN.  ]

Did I mention how.much.fun this event is???  It doesn't matter that people have stood in line for hours waiting for their group number to be called....  We've never received so much of a grumble from them.  They are patient and appreciative of this opportunity.

[ RUMOR HAS IT SANTA IS ON HIS WAY.... ] 

For some, it's an annual tradition; they come every single year....  For others.... they aren't so certain they even want to be there....  Several young children and young adults waited their turn, with tears in their eyes, anxious from nerves.  Then... miraculously.... when they returned, all you saw were smiles.  I bet they'll be back next year!

[ HAMMING IT UP FOR THE CAMERA! ] 

[ GETTING READY TO LOAD.  WE HAD FOUR HELICOPTERS GOING THIS YEAR. ]

We have fun with our passengers.  The Party Organizers put the scared and nervous at ease, we sing Happy Birthday to young and adult alike, we take group photos, we hang on to their personal belongings until they return, we guide them out the door and cheer and "high five" their return....

 [ AFTER A PASSENGER BUYS A TICKET, THEY GET "MANIFESTED" AND PUT INTO GROUPS OF FIVE OR SIX PASSENGERS.  FROM THERE, THEY GET THE SAFETY "SPEEL" FROM LION BOB AND LION BECKY ] 

The Safety crew makes sure every single person knows the rules.... what they can and cannot do on this ride.  No camera flashes.  No touching dials.  No smoking.  Follow instructions.  If your hat or other personal belonging blows away, just say "adios" because you can't run after it.  

This year we tried a concession stand and sold cookies, treats, hot chocolate, coffee and water while passengers waited.  Oh, and club pins.  Lions Mukhya and Susan held down the fort.  

[ OUR CONCESSION STAND. ]

For this writer, Light Flights is the highlight of the year.  We're there having a good time and ensuring those who are there supporting this cause are as well.  We appreciate those who return every year and the Valley for putting up with all the helicopter noise for hours.  We especially want to thank the Lions and other volunteers who take time out of their busy Christmas season to help make this a success.

But mostly, Coastal Helicopters for without their generosity, this wouldn't be a success.

[ WAITING FOR COPTERS TO RETURN. ]  

  [ COLD, TIRED, AND GLAD FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL LIGHT FLIGHT TO BE OVER!] 

We estimate by the time the evening was over, we sold tickets, manifested, talked safety, entertained, and transported over the Mendenhall Valley, approximately 550 people during a four hour period!  No wonder many of us are dragging today!  

 [ THE END. ]

But all good things must come to an end.... So, until next year....  Merry Christmas!

We Serve!
Lion Nancy