Name: Theodore Merklin
City: Butler
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Founded in 1992, the Young Eagles program is dedicated to giving youth ages 8–17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. In 2022 the EAA will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Young Eagles initiative. The Young Eagles flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.
It’s the only program of its kind, 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.
For more information from EAA headquarters about the Young Eagles program, visit www.youngeagles.org
Young Eagles Flights with EAA 857
The EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people, like you, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the continuing generosity of EAA member volunteers. There is no cost or obligation, before or after the flight. Participation is easy. Simply view our Events tab at left to find the next Young Eagle flight event. Then come to the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport in Nixon PA that day at the appropriate time and arrange for your flight. Any Young Eagle is eligible for a free flight if you are at least eight years old through seventeen.
When a Young Eagles event has been scheduled, you may access an online registration form prior to the event at the link that will be shown below.
Pre event registration should be completed online. When you arrive at the airport on the day of the event the parent / guardian will provide their signature electronically to the waiver agreement before the Young Eagle flight. Registration can also be completed for walk in guests at our event check-in desk. The registration enrolls you in the EAA Young Eagles National Log Book, and provides you with a commemorative certificate and personal logbook after your flight. A code number on your logbook may be used to access additional Young Eagle benefits for aviation ground school online training provided by Sporty's Pilot Shop. Completion of this training can lead to an actual flight training opportunity at a flight school in your area.
Please note that the event is subject to cancellation in the event of weather conditions that prohibit flight.
Email us at contact@eaa857.org, or to our Young Eagles Co-ordinators as noted below.
On June 11, 2016 EAA 857 participated in International Young Eagles Day.
During this event, our own Captain Larry Schafer flew his 500th Young Eagle, Zachary Nichol! Congratulations Larry and Zachary!
So what will your flight be like?
The biggest question on your mind might be about the actual flight. So what should you expect? First of all, you will have a brief "ground school" discussion of what makes an airplane fly. Next you will be escorted to a gateway where an EAA member will take you safely to your aircraft.
After boarding the aircraft, your pilot will explain what will happen during the flight. This might include talking about the airplane; reviewing an aeronautical chart (or map) and identifying ground reference points during the flight. Once you are ready to go flying, your pilot will help you buckle your seat belt beforehand and describe the interior workings of the airplane, including some of the instruments.
Once in the air, you'll see the earth and sky in a new, exciting way. Most Young Eagle flights last between 15 and 20 minutes. Once back on the ground, there will be additional time for you to ask the EAA members questions about the flight. Ask away! And don't forget, you'll also receive an official Young Eagles certificate, which is signed, by your personal pilot and our EAA Young Eagle Chairmen, award winning aerobatics pilot, Sean D. Tucker!
