Rhinelander - Some local kids got to enjoy a bird's-eye-view of the Northwoods today thanks to the Northwoods Aviation Association.

The association sponsored it's annual pancake breakfast at the Rhinelander Flying Service Sunday.

Families were invited to enjoy the breakfast while any children ages eight to 17 got to take airplane rides for free.

One participant says "It's like really scary at first because you're going really high and you get butterflies, but it's really exciting once you're up there."

Another participant says "It's awesome. ou just have a blast."

Jeff Melau is the Treasurer of the Northwoods Aviation Association and one of today's pilots.

He says Sunday's flights are part of the Young Eagles program which is designed to get kids involved in aviation.

He says the main point of today's event is to let people know the airport is a big part of the community.

Jeff Melau, the Treasurer of the Northwoods Aviation Association, says "Bring awareness about the airport, that it's here, it's a fun place to be and hang out and some people may want to take lessons. It's more than just getting on an airliner and flying someplace else."

Melau says the money they raise from today's pancake breakfast will go toward several charitable organizations the airport is involved in, like the flying camp they sponsor every year.