EAA Launches New Portal to Mentor Aspiring Pilots

The Young Eagles program pairs aspiring aviators with experienced mentors.

EAA photo
[Credit: EAA/Connor Madison]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The EAA has launched the Young Eagles Connect portal to provide ongoing mentorship and support for aspiring young pilots.
  • This initiative connects youth who have taken an EAA Young Eagles flight and enrolled in Sporty's Pilot Shop Learn To Fly Course with experienced mentors.
  • Mentors, including original Young Eagles pilots or EAA chapter members, offer guidance and can monitor training progress to help young aviators stay engaged and on course in their flight education.
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The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has launched the Young Eagles Connect portal to provide aspiring young pilots with additional support. This new initiative connects youth with experienced mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement as they begin their flight education.

To participate, young people must have taken a flight through the EAA’s Young Eagles program and enrolled in the complimentary Sporty’s Pilot Shop Learn To Fly Course. The portal allows students to share their training progress with a mentor, such as their original Young Eagles pilot or an EAA chapter member.

“The goal of Young Eagles Connect is to have aspiring aviators stay connected, stay inspired, and stay on course,” said David Leiting, EAA Young Eagles program manager. “This connection is an added benefit to Young Eagles who look to discover more through EAA’s programs that are available to follow their initial Young Eagles flight.” 

If a mentor is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), they can automatically view their mentee’s coursework and practice test results. Non-CFI mentors can also request access.

This program builds upon the Young Eagles initiative, which has given over 2.5 million free introductory flights to children aged 8-17 since 1992.

Parris Clarke

Parris is a writer and content producer for Firecrown. When Parris isn't chasing stories, you can find him watching or playing basketball.
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