2022 Sees More Than 49,000 Participants in Intro Flights

EAA’s Young Eagles program has rebounded after languishing in low turnout since the pandemic, with more than 49,000 participants taking part this year. 

Almost 50,000 youths ages 8 to 17 got to see, feel, and hear the thrill of aviation with the aid of a free introductory flight through the Young Eagles in 2022, and it was all made possible by 4,078 pilots who volunteered to help. Of those volunteers, 1,159 had never before been a part of the Young Eagles program before this year.

“We are thrilled to see an increase in the number of pilots looking to help inspire the next generation of aviators,” said David Leiting, EAA Eagles Program Manager. “For pilots, the rewards of flying Young Eagles are immeasurable. The only way we get more young people involved in aviation is to have more pilots participate, so the open invitation is always there.”

Since its inception, the program has given out more than 2.3 million intro flights since 1992, thanks to the time and assistance of thousands of EAA volunteers looking to inculcate a passion for flight in tomorrow's aviators. The program saw its 30th anniversary this year, offering commemorative memorabilia to those who manage to fly 30 youths under the Young Eagles' "30 for 30 Challenge. Since August, 93 pilots have hit the mark, with plenty of time to go until its July 31, 2023 deadline.

FMI: www.eaa.org