Name: Chad McCue
City: Bloomington
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Free introductory flights for youth ages 8–17, made possible by EAA volunteer pilots and ground crew.
Young Eagles
Chapter 129 in Bloomington/Normal coordinates local Young Eagles events to introduce and inspire the next generation of aviators.
Registration Now Open for May 16
Registration is now live for the Young Eagles rally in Pontiac (KPNT).
Click the registration link in the event table below to reserve your spot.
What is Young Eagles?
Founded in 1992, the Young Eagles program gives youth ages 8–17 an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane at no cost. It is one of EAA’s signature youth outreach programs and has introduced more than 2 million young people to aviation.
Chapter 129 works with nearby chapters and local volunteers to offer rallies in Central Illinois throughout the flying season.
2026 Chapter 129 Events
Click the event link below to register. Additional registration links will appear here when available.
| Date | Airport | Location | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAY 16 | KPNT | Pontiac, IL | 9–11 am | Young Eagles – KPNT (Click to Register) |
| JUN 20 | KBMI | Bloomington/Normal, IL | 9–11 am | Young Eagles – KBMI |
| AUG 15 | KBMI | Bloomington/Normal, IL | 9–11 am | Young Eagles – KBMI |
| SEP 26 | KBMI | Bloomington/Normal, IL | 9–11 am | Young Eagles – KBMI |
| OCT 17 | KAAA | Lincoln, IL | 10 am–12 pm | Young Eagles – KAAA |
Weather Minimums & Cancellations
Safety comes first. Young Eagles rallies are weather-dependent and may be delayed, adjusted, or canceled based on actual and forecast conditions.
- Weather must be VFR
- Visibility 5 statute miles minimum
- Cloud ceiling not less than 2,000 AGL minimum
- Wind components
- Maximum calculated crosswind 15 knots
- Maximum total wind 20 knots, including gusts
Even when chapter minimums are met, each individual flight remains subject to the pilot’s personal minimums and judgment.
What Families Should Expect
- Youth participants must be ages 8–17.
- Flights are provided free of charge.
- A parent or legal guardian should plan to be present.
- Arrival and check-in details will be included with each event registration.
- Dress for the weather and for time spent on the airport ramp.
How Registration Works
Each rally will have its own registration or event page once it is published. The May 16 registration link is now live, and the direct registration link appears in the event table above.
For additional Young Eagles opportunities with a nearby chapter, visit
Chapter 29 Young Eagles.
Want to learn more about the national program?
Visit YoungEagles.org
* VFR reference:
FAA AIM reference
