Nearly 2,384,000. That’s the number of youth ages eight to 17 who had taken part in the Young Eagles program as of June.
The only program of its kind, Young Eagles has spent over three decades conducting flights, offering STEM activities, and teaching aircraft building and restoration. Across the nation, you will find Young Eagles chapters of aviation enthusiasts who aim to inspire the next generation of pilots. This is all thanks to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), an organization that supports affordable pathways to aviation.
“I grew up in a big city with few financial resources and certainly no hope of getting in a big airplane, never mind a small one,” says José Soltren, President of EAA Chapter 1607 in Lago Vista. “Doing Young Eagles is a way to give back, to pay the favor forward. I try to bring a fresh perspective and fresh attention to our events.”
No matter whether you attend an event in Lago Vista, Georgetown, Rockdale, or beyond… The most important thing to the coordinators and pilots is to give a fun but educational experience that Young Eagles will remember for the rest of their lives.
Chapters like Soltren’s are run by groups of volunteers who work to demystify general aviation. This means making flight more understandable and accessible, while sharing how small airports across the country contribute to search and rescue, patient transport, and so much more.
“Pilots are often looking for opportunities to increase public awareness and opinion of small planes, and to fly missions that are a little outside of the norm to expand their skills. As an airplane owner, when EAA 1607 put out a call for volunteer pilots, I thought this would be a great way to share my hobby and my airplane with young people,” says Soltren. “I’ve flown something like a dozen Young Eagles flights.”
During these flights, Soltren notes that passengers will often ask questions through the headsets or simply be quiet. However, an experience that has especially stuck with him was when three siblings, boys ages eight, 10, and 12, were on board. The wonder and amazement in their voices as they talked amongst themselves, pointing out landmarks and trying to find their house, made a special impression on him.
For every Young Eagles participant, whether that be a prospective pilot or a professional volunteer, there is a lot to gain from the program. While they all come from different backgrounds, these aviators share a common passion for the skies.
“Flying is not like anything else. I would come with an ‘empty cup,’ expecting to learn,” says Soltren. “We always want people to feel that the flight should have been just a little longer instead of just a little shorter. We want them to come back and bring their friends. We want them to fly for us one day!”
Are your children interested in tasting the freedom of flight? Head to eaa.org to read more about what you can expect from the Young Eagles program and find the right chapter for your family.
Your Young Eagles coordinator wants to know…
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What grade are you in at school?
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Are you excited about math or science?
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Do you have goals of becoming a pilot one day?