The Young Eagles Program

In 1991, the EAA Aviation Foundation conducted a survey of long-time Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) members to help determine the organization’s future priorities. Nearly 92 percent said EAA’s primary objective should be to involve more young people in aviation. The survey also showed that a flight experience, provided by a relative or friend, helped guide the respondents toward aviation. On May 13, l992, following several months of coordination by members of the EAA and Foundation Boards of Directors, EAA management, staff and volunteers, the Young Eagles Program was announced at a Washington, D.C., news conference.

The mission of the Young Eagles Program is to provide a meaningful flight experience - free of charge - for 1 million young people (primarily between the ages of 8 and 17) by the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight (December 17, 2003). We reached that goal on Thursday, November 13, 2003, when The Young Eagles program  registered it's 1 millionth Young Eagle.

More than 35,000 EAA member pilots have participated in the program. Pilots volunteer their time and aircraft to make the flights possible. In addition, countless thousands of other volunteers and supporters assist the program in a variety of roles.

 Contact us to Become a Young Eagle.