Young Eagles

 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 at no cost. These flights are made possible through the generosity of EAA Chapter 54 member volunteers. It’s the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation.

Our Chapter schedules these flights the 2nd Saturday of the month from May to October, starting around 8:30am and wrapping up around 11am.  To date, our Chapter has given over 4500+ Young Eagles rides.   This program is intended to give kids their first airplane ride with a one-on-one experience with the pilot and introduce them to aviation in a positive way.   Of course, the weather will have to cooperate on these designated Saturdays.   Rain, low clouds, or strong winds will cause flying for the day to be cancelled.

Pre-register for your flight by clicking a link that will appear at the bottom of this page when registration opens. You can also register here. This site lists all Young Eagle events in the Twin Cities area, and chapters that might be closer to you.   We encourage you to sign up early as there is a limit to the number of flights we can accommodate.  If you cannot make an event for which you registered, please be sure to cancel and let us know so that we can select a child from the waiting list.

On the day of flight, please check your email and/or this page for the latest information. If the weather is not suitable for flying, we will not fly. Otherwise, come to the Chapter House at the Lake Elmo Airport just prior to your assigned time.   Enter at Gate B (the first gate after 30th Street when driving north).  The chapter house  will be on your right.  Our staging area is the nearby Viewing Area.  Please park in the parking circle. You can learn more about our volunteer pilots and their planes here.

After your flight, stop into the chapter house and learn more about flying, and check out Young Eagles What's Next for information on more steps you can take in aviation. Then, find your photo in our gallery of Young Eagles within 24 hours of your flight.

Chapter 54 members: We are in need of volunteers -- both pilots and ground support. Training is required. See complete information on the process to volunteer.

Here are some photos from our most recent Young Eagles Day at Lake Elmo Airport. For more images and dates, visit our Young Eagles Photo Page.

October 12. 2024