Already an unchallenged success, the EAA's Young Eagles program (the gift to aviation that keeps on giving, in our opinion), has notched up yet another pivotal milestone. The EAA Young Eagles program registered its 1.2 millionth Young Eagle flown December 8, at EAA headquarters in Oshkosh Wisconsin. He is Gerald Miles, age 10, of Newnan, Georgia, who took his flight on November 25 in a Cirrus SR22 piloted by William Castlen of Destin, Florida.

William, EAA 183796, has flown 237 Young Eagles since January 1994, and has flown 48 kids in 2005. He is a member of EAA Chapter 108, Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

"This is another important milestone for the EAA Young Eagles program," said Steve Buss (pictured, right), executive director of the EAA Young Eagles program.

"While we recognize William and Gerald's flight, we also applaud the outstanding continuing support and enthusiasm for Young Eagles by our members. We extend our congratulations to all who have helped the program reach this unprecedented level of participation."

EAA President Tom Poberezny spoke to the evolution of the Young Eagles program, which began in 1992.

"Young Eagles has become a core initiative of EAA," he said.

"It's an important part of our culture, mission, and focus. For EAA, our members and chapters, Young Eagles is an investment in the future that will continue to pay dividends to all of aviation for years to come."

FMI: www.youngeagles.com