Aspiring young pilots can try their wings today as part of the first-ever International Learn to Fly Day.

Auburn's Experimental Aircraft Association — including Samson Motors, the company developing the Switchblade flying motorcycle that has been featured in The Union — is throwing a party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

The events include free flights for youth ages 7 to 17, seminars on learning how to fly and food throughout the day.

Strict regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration and the rising cost of fuel and planes have dampened interest in aviation over the past few years.

But EAA members hope new types of aircraft, including lighter planes and airborne vehicles, will bring in a new crop of pilots, said Martha Bousfield of Samson Motors.

Festivities are co-sponsored by flight school Sierra Vista Aviation and are at the Auburn Airport, 2410 Rickenbacker Way, Auburn.

Raffle prizes include a one-hour scenic flight with Sierra Vista Aviation, valued at $150.

For more information on today's event, visit www.SamsonMotorWorks.com or call Bousfield at (530) 878-4808.