Young Eagles

Welcome to the EAA Chapter 1031 Young Eagles Page

What is Young Eagles?

Launched in 1992, the Young Eagles program has dedicated 30 years to giving youth ages 8–17 their first free ride in an airplane.

It’s the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in 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 firsthand setting.

Today, nearly 2.3 million young people have enjoyed a free introductory flight through the Young Eagles program. These flights are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.

Each Young Eagle will experience a safe and enjoyable flight that will give them new perspectives on the world and life in general. Young Eagles program participants will understand that an individual's potential is unlimited and for them, the sky is the limit!

Who Can Get a Young Eagles Flight?

Young people between the ages of 8 through 17 years old can receive a Young Eagles flight. The youngster can be given one Young Eagles flight on a given day, but there is no limit on how many times he/she can come out to get a free Young Eagles flight. An EAA pilot will provide the flight at no cost to the child. This is each individual pilot’s gift to the child.

How Can a Youngster Get a Flight?

For 2023, Chapter 1031 will be performing Young Eagle flights at scheduled rallies. The first of the year will be this spring. Scroll down to the bottom to sign up!

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 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 Eagles flights last between 15 and 20 minutes.

Back on the ground, there will be additional time for questions after the flight. Please note that each pilot is encouraged to follow the Young Eagles pilot guidelines, but also has the freedom to customize the flight to make the most of local conditions and facilities.

EAA Young Eagles Flight Plan

Following your Young Eagles flight, the Young Eagles Flight Plan will unlock a number of resources, designed to help you in your aviation journey.

For more information or to sign up your child for a Young Eagle ride contact our Young Eagle Coordinator at blueridgeeaa1031@gmail.com  

Helpful Links and Videos

For more information from EAA headquarters about the Young Eagles program, visit: Young Eagles

For more information from EAA headquarters about the Young Eagles Flight Plan, visit: YE Flight Plan