As small planes buzz by along the runway, smiling young faces peep through the windows, and occasionally, one may spot a hand waving to the crowd below.

This isn’t a joy ride, however; these fifth-graders earned their spot in the Wright Flight program’s Fly Day by performing well in school.

Betty Jane Green, principal at John Small Elementary School, said the students were eligible to participate in Saturday’s Fly Day if they improved their lowest grade by one letter, or if already on the honor roll, they completed a project on aviation.

“Each student and the teacher make their own goal together,” she said. “I think that, short term, it of course gives a student more academic achievement. … Long term, they have the experience of achieving goals.”

Most of the participating students attend John Small Elementary, but there were some students from Pungo Christian Academy, as well, Green said.

The Wright Flight program itself is made up of nine learning sessions about the history of aviation, as well as a test on the lessons and a pledge to abstain from using drugs, alcohol or tobacco products. These requirements must also be met before the students can attend Fly Day.

Dennis Millsap, the Wright Flight social coordinator, said Saturday’s event saw more than 100 students come out to fly, in comparison to 77 students on the Fly Day in March.

He said the students are able to fly with a parent or guardian, and take a trip to the south side of the Pamlico, catching a bird’s eye view of Washington, down to Whichard’s Beach and back.

“It’s an exciting day all the way around,” Millsap said.

Wright Flight organizers also coordinated with Washington-Warren Airport and the Civil Air Patrol to make Fly Day happen, according to Millsap.

Green agreed the day wouldn’t have been possible without community partners and donations, which covered the costs of the event.

“This is a goal-oriented program,” Millsap said. “That’s the neat thing about the program.”

“It’s really a life skill that we’re giving them,” Green said.