Maybe it was a way to conquer a new frontier. Maybe it was the desire to defy gravity. Maybe it was a response to a need for faster transportation.

But humans have always maintained a certain healthy fascination with flight. Not only is the Aviation Venture Crew continuing to explore aspects of flight, but it's also seeking to promote them.

"It's like a freedom thing," said Doug Eadline, a co-adviser of the Aviation Venture Crew, as well as a licensed pilot and a ground maintenance supervisor at Chester County Airport. "When you're up in the air, you feel like you can do anything and go anywhere."

In an attempt to further its cause and attract new members, the Aviation Venture Crew will conduct an open house and drop-in on Saturday, April 20, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Smoketown Airport, 311 Airport Drive, Smoketown. The event will serve as an opportunity to meet current members, hear about some of the activities that the Aviation Venture Crew engages in, and generally learn what the crew is all about.

There will be an airplane to explore, as well as a flight simulator.

The open house is free to attend, and everyone is welcome. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

"The atmosphere should be pretty light," said Eadline. "We're trying to attract new youth to the organization. We're kind of unique to Lancaster County. A Venture Crew that's specifically focused on aviation is pretty rare. We're the only one in the county."

Chartered by New Holland American Legion Post 662, the Aviation Venture Crew meets every other Sunday in Smoketown Airport's community room. The next meeting is scheduled for April 14 at 6 p.m.

"We take a wide view of aviation, including planes and flight," said co-adviser Beth Katz. "But we also consider airport operations, weather, astronomy, navigation and trip planning. We have visited the Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport, but we have also visited Coatesville Airport and Lancaster Airport to see their operations and some of the planes housed there."

The Aviation Venture Crew was founded in 2012 and currently has five members, who are males and females ages 14 to 21 from Manheim, Lancaster city and Leola. More are always welcome.

"Most come from a Scouting background," said Eadline, a New Holland resident. "We explore anything and everything related to aviation. For most of our members, it's probably a hobby, but it could blossom into a career. If these kids are intent on going beyond Venture Crew, they can learn to fly."

"When I started (flying), it was the excitement of being free. Now it's a job. To me, it's still neat to see the (planes) taking off," said Eadline.

For additional information about Aviation Venture Crew, go to http://www.facebook.com/watch/AviationVentureCrew52.