The
EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people,
ages 8 - 17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation
airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible
through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.
Since 1992, more than 1.3 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight through
the program. Young Eagles have been registered in more than 90 different
countries and have been flown by more than 41,000 volunteer pilots. EAA Chapter 175 has given first flights to
HUNDREDS of young people. Mr. Tom
McLinsky, Young Eagles Coordinator for EAA Chapter 175, works with
schools and pilots to fly groups of young people several times throughout the
year.
Young Eagles event (60 youngsters flew) December 19,
2009
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EAA Young Eagles event (March 2009).
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Basic Facts:
Benefits of the EAA Young Eagles
Program:
The EAA Young Eagles Program fulfills five important
purposes:
What is EAA?
Why was the EAA Young Eagles program started?
What do you hope to gain by taking my child flying?
Who are the Pilots?
How does my child become a Young Eagle?
What will the flight be like?
What happens to the registration form?
What is EAA?
EAA, the Experimental Aircraft Association, is an international aviation
membership association founded in 1953 and headquartered in
Why was the EAA Young Eagles program started?
The EAA Young Eagles Program was developed in 1992 to welcome young people into
the world of aviation. Aviation is exciting and vital to our nation's future
and the best way to convey that message is to actually experience flight in a first-hand setting.
What do you hope to gain by taking my child flying?
Each EAA Young Eagle will experience a safe and enjoyable flight that will give
them new perspectives on the world and life in general. We feel that Young
Eagles program participants will understand that an individual's potential is
unlimited and for them, the sky is the limit!
Who are the Pilots?
The pilots who are participating in the Young Eagles program are local members
of EAA who are volunteering their time and aircraft to make your child’s flight
possible. Each pilot is licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (or
governing organization outside the
How does my child become a Young Eagle?
If your child is between the ages of eight and 17, find the Young
Eagle Coordinator near you. As a parent, you'll need to
complete a Young Eagle registration form that is available from your pilot.
They can help you fill out the form and answer any other specific
questions you may have.
What will the flight be like?
First of all, your pilot will explain what will happen during the flight. This
might include talking about the airplane; reviewing an aeronautical chart and
identifying reference points during the flight; completing a careful "walk
around" preflight inspection of the airplane and identifying the parts
that control the airplane; helping buckle your child's seat belt and describing
the interior of the airplane, including the instrument panel. Once in the air,
your child will see the earth and sky in a new and exciting way. They will
experience the wonderful freedom of flight that many people only dream about.
Many people remember this experience for the rest of their lives. The length of
the flight will depend on many factors, but most Young Eagle flights last
between 15 and 20 minutes. Once back on the ground, there will be additional
time for questions after the flight. Please note that each pilot is encouraged
to follow the Young Eagle pilot guidelines, but also has the freedom to
customize the flight to make the most of local conditions and
facilities.
What happens to the registration form?
After the flight is completed, the pilot will issue your child the official EAA
Young Eagles certificate. The pilot then returns the registration form to the
EAA Young Eagles office where the flight will be officially registered in the
World's Largest Logbook. You and your child will be able to see the flight
information on the Internet at www.youngeagles.org. At the same time, we
understand that privacy is important. Only basic information is displayed on
the web and your address and phone number will never become part of the public
database. We will send your child follow up information from EAA about our
other youth aviation programs and scholarships. Space is provided on the
registration form for an E-Mail address. The E-mail address will be used to add
your child to the monthly Young Eagles electronic newsletter. You may opt out
of the newsletter subscription at any time and there is no charge for the
newsletter. Your child's name and E-mail address will not be sold or used for
commercial purposes. We are sensitive to keeping your child's contact
information confidential.
EAA actively encourages young people to share in the joys and professional careers open to them in aviation. Below are some of the programs sponsored by EAA.