Six Take Discovery Flights Last Weekend

Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 534 flew six young people on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from the Leesburg International Airport at Leesburg,Florida. This was part of the chapter’s Young Eagle program that flies kids ages 8 to 17 for their first general aviation flight.

The Young Eagles Flight program is sponsored by the national EAA and local chapters volunteer to take part in the program by providing planes, pilots and volunteers to make it work at the grass roots level. To date, on a national level, the Young Eagle program has introduced about two million young people to the wonders of aviation.  Many times these events light a spark in their imaginations that leads some to become pilots later in life or seek careers in aviation.

After completing their flying experience each Young Eagle is given a certificate attesting to their completion of the program as well as a log book signed by their pilot signifying their first flight. If they wish to continue learning, EAA gives them access to a free on-line study program through which they can pass their written Federal Aviation Agency exam.  Some free dual instruction time is also provided if they wish to continue. It is a great way to jumpstart a young person to become a pilot.

On this day EAA Chapter 534 provided one single engine fixed wing aircraft and one helicopter with their volunteer pilots. Several chapter volunteers were available to make sure all the Eagles safely boarded their aircraft and all the paperwork got completed. Two of the Young Eagles who flew today were members of the Aviation Explorer Post 534.

(Photos by Ted Luebbers used with permission)

FMI: www.534.eaachapter.org, www.youngeagles.org/join