The Young Eagles Program

Pitts S1S

EAA Chapter 512 has been involved with the Young Eagles Program since in 1993. The Young Eagles Program is sponsored by the EAA Aviation Foundation, a charitable nonprofit organization, dedicated to the discovery and fulfillment of individual potential through personal flight. Harrison Ford is the Honorary Chairman of the EAA Young Eagles Program.

Since it's inception in 1992, the program has given airplane rides to1.3 million youths flown by more than 40,000 participating pilots in over 90 countries around the world. Youths aged 8 -17 are eligible for the opportunity to ride in a general aviation airplane at no charge.

In support of this effort, EAA Chapter 512 holds two Young Eagle Rally's each year -- one in the spring (June) and one in the fall (October). Registration typically begins around 8:30 in the morning with each child being assigned to a pilot and aircraft. The activities then begin with a brief ground school, which covers the basics of aerodynamics and the fundamentals of flight. After the ground school, pilots gather their Young Eagles and instruct them on doing a preflight walk-around of their aircraft. Then it's time to fly!

To make the flying experience more rewarding and educational for the Young Eagle, each child is given a solo ride with the pilot. This gives each child personal attention by the pilot, and allows the pilot to answer all questions the Young Eagle may have. If desired, the Young Eagle even gets a turn at the controls!

After the flying is done and the planes are taxied to a stop, the Young Eagles and pilots are treated to refreshments at the picnic area adjacent to our Chapter hangar. The social time allows the Young Eagles to share their experiences with other kids and gives parents the time to take those necessary photos with pilots in front of the plane. Once you become a Young Eagle your name is entered into the World's Largest Logbook.

Be sure to view our Young Eagles Video and the Young Eagles Photo Page to see some of the action at a Chapter 512 Rally, Young Eagle participants, some of our pilots and their airplanes, and our ground safety crew.

For more information on the EAA Aviation Foundation's Young Eagles Program, please visit the Young Eagles web site.

To sign up your child for an EAA Chapter 512 Young Eagle Rally, please e-mail our Young Eagle Coordinator, Linda Blalock or call Linda at: 530-647-2706