Young Eagles

Founded in 1992, the EAA Young Eagles program is dedicated to giving youth ages 8–17 an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers. For more information from EAA headquarters about the Young Eagles program, visit https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/free-ye-flights

It’s a unique program with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. Today, the Young Eagles program has flown over 2 million kids and Chapter 323 is proud to be an active participant in this program with many volunteer Pilots and Ground Crew.

The Young Eagles program has flown over 2.2 million kids and our Chapter is proud to have flown 2,700 Young Eagles to date.

For more information about the Young Eagles program and to register for an event near you, visit www.youngeaglesday.org

Who is eligible?

Any youth (ages 8–17) who have their Custodial Parents or Guardians permission to fly.

What to Expect:

When you arrive at the designated Terminal (typically North Texas Regional Airport), You and Your Young Eagle will be escorted to a “check-in” desk, where you will be checked-in for your flight and provide the paperwork/information from www.youngeaglesday.org.

While we would prefer you to sign-up in advance, Don’t worry about not doing the paperwork beforehand as you can sign up at any time. Just understand that since we make appointments for the flights, Your Young Eagle will have to wait for the next available opening!

Meet your Pilot:

The Pilots who participate in the Young Eagles program are local members of EAA who are volunteering their time and aircraft to make your flight possible. Each Young Eagles pilot is certificated with the Federal Aviation Administration or Transport Canada. Flights are conducted according to federal regulations and no aerobatic maneuvers will be performed.

Your Young Eagle will be paired with a Pilot and other aspiring Aviators. The Pilot will conduct a “Pre-Flight” of the Aircraft, specifically pointing out functions and operations of items on the Aircraft. Your pilot will explain what you will see and do. This may include explaining how airplanes work, looking at an aeronautical chart (or map), and describing the interior of the airplane, including the instrument panel.

Safety Reminders:

Safety is always top priority when it comes to aviation. The Ground Crew are members of our Chapter, most of whom are Pilots, who are trained and well versed in Airport operations. They are there to ensure that you and Your Young Eagle have a safe visit! Listen and follow to all instructions given, stay away from the propellers, and stay with your pilot or ground crew at all times.

What will my flight be like?

Your Young Eagle will spend between 15 to 30 minutes in the air and follow the basic steps in the flight pattern. They will experience the awesome feeling of flight that many people only dream about. Many people remember this experience for the rest of their lives, they will, too!

Taking off from the Airport, Your Young Eagle will see the surrounding area, which will include but is not limited to: the Red River, Denison Dam, and Lake Texoma. Your Pilot will point out landmarks in the Denison, Sherman and surrounding areas.

After the Flight:

Once your Young Eagle lands and debarks the Aircraft, The Pilot and Ground Crew will escort everyone to the Terminal where the children will receive a signed certificate, their first official logbook, and the flight is entered into the “World’s Largest Logbook” which can be viewed online (www.youngeagles.org).