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.
“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.”
How does EAA actually verify this statement? How many thousands and besides making this statement, can you prove it?
I personally flew hundreds of intro flights and their numbers sound about right to me.
“thousands” out of 2.2 millions is not really that great of success rate to make pilots.
I did it just to share aviation and, at least, maybe create a friendlier public opinion on flying.
January 2019
CNN names the EAA Aviation Museum as one of the World’s Top 20 Aviation Museums
March 2019
The EAA Aviation Foundation expands to solicit and manage nearly all charitable gifts and grant operational, programming, and capital funds to support EAA activities. … The National Transportation Safety Board lauded EAA’s aviation safety programs, especially the new EAA Flight Test Manual.
April 2019
A volunteer-based restoration project was a success, as EAA’s B-25 Berlin Express made its maiden flight after a more than 25-year hiatus.
July 2019
The 50th consecutive EAA fly-In convention in Oshkosh is one for the ages, with total attendance of 642,000 from 93 nations. Apollo 11 command module pilot Michael Collins commemorated the 50th anniversary of the first manned moon landing, while Boeing celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 747 jumbojet.
No one does it better.
Very impressive indeed, but the question remains, are thousands of Young Eagles actually employed in aviation and is that anecdotal or empirical ?
Some what hyperbolic, I sense. But, there’s nothing better than this program anywhere.