The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has announced that its Young Eagles youth aviation education program hit a milestone this week, logging 2.2 million young people flown since its launch in 1992. EAA Young Eagles offers introductory flights to children and teenagers ages 8 to 17. The flights are provided at no cost with the goal of introducing youth to aviation.
“As we reach each of these milestones, it’s a further credit to the dedication of the EAA-member pilots and volunteers who have committed their time and aircraft to bringing young people into aviation,” said EAA CEO Jack Pelton. “The success of Young Eagles means thousands of today’s under-40 pilots—both professional and recreational—can trace their personal journey back to that first flight with a Young Eagles pilot.”
The Young Eagles program is the first step in EAA’s Flight Plan, which is designed to help Young Eagles participants keep flying after their introductory flight by providing a free EAA student membership, opportunities for free ground and flight training, and scholarship options. Young Eagles and Flight Plan are sponsored by companies including Phillips 66, Garmin, Lightspeed, Waco Aircraft, the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Global Aerospace, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Sporty’s Pilot Shop.
