Name: Stephen West
City: Durham
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Young people ages 8-17 are offered a chance to take to the skies with volunteer pilots of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).
Chapter 879 hosts Young Eagles Flight rallies throughout the year at Lake Ridge Aero Park, an airport just north of Durham in Durham County. Lake Ridge Aero Park also supports 2 annual fly-in events, one in Spring and Fall
What do we do?
We offer kids a free flight in an airplane that accommodates 2 to 4 passengers. The flight can last up to 30 minutes, depending on scheduling and demand.
Why do we do it?
There are two reasons:
1) We love the Kool-aid smiles that kids show us during the flight, and;
2) We want to introduce kids to aviation. We are passionate about aviation, and we believe it is a great career choice and/or a great hobby. Aviation motivates kids. We believe kids who are interested in aviation tend to be self-motivated to increase their chances of becoming a pilot. Aviation encourages STEM disciplines. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are inherent in learning to fly.
How do I get my kid involved in the EAA Chapter 879 Young Eagles program?
It's easy. Just contact our Young Eagles coordinator. You'll find the contact information below.
What happens after the flight?
Following the flight, each participant receives a certificate, making them an official Young Eagle with access to further learning opportunities. Their name is subsequently entered into the "World's Largest Logbook," which is online at www.youngeagles.org.
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. These 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
