Your child can join the ranks of more than 2.1 million Young Eagles and see their world from a whole new perspective! Since 1992, Young Eagles flights have been safely conducted in nearly every type of general aviation aircraft, from light planes to business jets, and everything in between. More than 2.1 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight through this program and have been registered in more than 90 different countries. There are more than 41,000 pilots who have volunteered to expose youth to their aviation passion.
These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible by the generosity of EAA member volunteers.
What is EAA?
EAA, the Experimental Aircraft Association, is an international aviation membership association founded in 1953 and headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Local chapters are located in all 50 states and many countries. Members are aviation enthusiasts of every age group, including many airline and commercial pilots, engineers, business people and even astronauts. They enjoy all types of airplanes, including "experimental" aircraft, those aircraft built by individual craftsmen, rather than in a factory. “Experimental” refers to the category of aircraft designed by the FAA for these types of airplanes. Similar to standard category aircraft, Experimental aircraft are inspected and certified airworthy by FAA.
Why was the EAA Young Eagles program developed?
The EAA Young Eagles Program was developed in 1992 to welcome young people into the world of aviation. Aviation is exciting and vital to our nation's future and the best way to convey that message is to actually experience flight in a first-hand setting.
When and where is Young Eagles held?
Young Eagles flights are held near the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport approximately one Saturday each month from 8:00 - 11:00. Universal is just north of Rectrix Aviation. Please park in the designated lot North of Universal Flight Services. Visit www.YoungEaglesDay.org for dates and registration. Please meet us at:
Universal Flight Services: 8140 15th St E, Sarasota, FL 35243
Who are the pilots?
The pilots participating in the Young Eagles program are local members of EAA who are volunteering their time and aircraft to make your child’s flight possible. Each pilot is licensed by the FAA (or governing organization outside the U.S., such as Transport Canada) and all aircraft are likewise licensed by the government. The flights are conducted according to federal regulations. EAA does not allow aerobatics during a Young Eagle flight.
How does my child become a Young Eagle?
If your child is between the ages of 8 and 17, visit www.YoungEaglesDay.orgfor dates and registration.
Accompany your youth to the Young Eagles table located in the hanger of Universal Flight Services. The Young Eagles volunteers can help you and answer any other specific questions you may have.
What will the flight be like?
First, your pilot will explain what will happen during the flight. This might include talking about the airplane, reviewing an aeronautical chart and identifying reference points during the flight, completing a careful "walk around" pre-flight inspection of the airplane and identifying the parts that control the airplane, helping buckle your child's seat belt and fitting their headset, and describing the interior of the airplane, including the instrument panel.
Once in the air, your child will see the earth and sky in a new and exciting way. They will experience the wonderful freedom of flight that many people only dream about. Many people remember this experience for the rest of their lives. The length of the flight will depend on many factors, but most Young Eagle flights last between 15 and 20 minutes.
Back on the ground, there will be adequate time for questions after the flight. Please note that each pilot is encouraged to follow the Young Eagle pilot guidelines, but also has the freedom to customize the flight to make the most of local conditions and facilities.
What happens after the flight?
After the flight is completed, the pilot will issue your youth the official EAA Young Eagles logbook and certificate. Your child's flight will be officially registered in the World's Largest Logbook. At the same time, EAA understands that privacy is important. Only basic information is displayed on the web and your address and phone number will never become part of the public database.
If you like, EAA will send you follow-up information about the free on-line ground school course, details regarding other youth aviation programs, and EAA scholarships. Your child's name and e-mail address will not be sold or used for commercial purposes. EAA is sensitive to keeping you and your child's contact information confidential.