"To fly ... to soar like a bird spreading its wings over mountain and forest. To watch the world below as if I had conquered its vastness; to let the wind be my friend . . . To fly; this is my dream."

Leonardo Di Vinci never realized his dream, but years later men did fly. Now in this age, men fly, not for the pleasure, but for the convenience and speed of air travel. Has the thrill and excitement died?

Maine West students who meet at Palwaukee airport every Saturday at 1 o'clock do not think so. These students are members of Aviation Club, started here at Maine this fall.

The club's purpose, according to Mr. John Amason, club sponsor, is threefold. "The club exposes its members to aviation opportunities, teaches a ground school course, and gives students actual experience in flying."

Mr. Amason also indicated the cost, which was $16 per hour for solo flights and $9.45 for three people, each flying about 30 minutes. The ground school is free.

Mr. Bruce Campbell, co‑sponsor, remarked, "I enjoy flying, and I think the students enjoy it too. The interest in the club has been very good; approximately 130 students have expressed interest in Aviation Club."

And why not? Aviation Club offers more than speakers and lecturers, although as Mr. Campbell put it, "We've had some very interesting speakers and are planning more for the future. Mr. Joseph Jobst taught a unit on meteorology just this last Saturday."

Excitement, thrills, adventure. This is what Aviation Club has to offer. Some members witnessed several memorable experiences. Once, as Mr. Amason related, a plane had to make an emergency landing because its rear wheels were frozen The plane was forced to land on its "stomach," as he put it.

There have been no casualties as yet to members taking lessons, except for a few cases of air sickness and nervousness.

"We have plans for the future," stated Mr. Amason. The club is in the process of designing a constitution, which will include a meeting schedule, requirements for membership and dues, and a guide for planning activities. Also, club officers will be elected.