EAA, AMA Create Youth R/C Program

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) unveiled a new program on Thursday designed to provide hands-on opportunities for young people to build and fly radio-control (R/C) aircraft. According to EAA, the Young Eagles Build and Fly “program-in-a-box” will partner local EAA chapters with AMA clubs to create youth-oriented build projects and learn-to-fly programs. EAA says Build and Fly is intended as either a follow-up or lead-in to an EAA Young Eagles flight.

“The Build and Fly program meets the challenges of providing hands-on engagement for youth who have an interest in flight,” said EAA Vice President of Publications, Programs and Marketing Rick Larsen. “Fundamental building skills, aircraft design, theory of flight, and flight training are all involved in a fun project that supplies a true sense of accomplishment when completed. It is also another ‘next step’ possibility for Young Eagles who are flown by EAA chapters throughout the country.”

Eligible EAA chapters will be able to purchase the Young Eagles Build and Fly project kit for $500. The kit includes a SIG LT-40 eKadet kit along with all building materials, electronics, and accessories, a Horizon Hobby Vapor indoor RC model and RealFlight 9 RC flight simulator software.