That Millionth Kid is Close

Celebrating AeroShell aviation oils, Shell Oil Products US has donated $7,000 to support the Young Eagles, an EAA program designed to introduce a new generation to the experience of flying. The Young Eagles provides children and teens from eight through 17 with the opportunity to fly, free of charge, in a private airplane with a qualified EAA pilot.

Since the inception of the Young Eagles First Flight program in 1992, more than 971,000 young people have experienced the thrill of flight. The program is supported by more than 35,000 pilots and other aviation professionals who volunteer their time and skills to the Young Eagles, and by donations like this one from Shell.

"Shell Oil Products US has been a consistent and loyal supporter of the Young Eagles," said Steve Buss, executive director of the EAA program. "Especially in this exciting year, when we're celebrating the centennial anniversary of powered flight, we and our sponsors acknowledge that it's this group of young adventurers who represent the future of the aviation industry."

Shell raised money for this donation through the sale of their well-recognized "AeroShell Flying Cow" T-shirts, and accepting donations on behalf of the Young Eagles for Flying Cow posters. (This year's collectible items, sold at Oshkosh, bore the images of "Orville and Wilbur" cows, to mark the Centennial Celebration of Powered Flight.

As part of their own centennial activities, the Young Eagles program has been sponsoring efforts to reach a total of one million young people, ages 8-17, who have logged onto the program's first-flight book by December 17, 2003, the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first powered flight. On that day, retired General Chuck Yeager, the program's chairman, will personally pilot the one-millionth Young Eagle at Kitty Hawk.

Jerry Toenjes, Global Aviation Marketing Manager for Shell Oil Products US, said, "We have always valued our association with the Young Eagles. Now, this once-in-a-lifetime event brings together the past and the future of aviation, and we're thrilled to be a part of it with the generosity and support of our customers."

In addition to the donation made to the Young Eagles, Shell sponsors the US Aerobatic Team, the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, and pilots Patty Wagstaff and Jamail Larkins, National Spokesman for the EAA Young Eagles and himself a former Young Eagles first-flyer.

FMI: www.aeroshell.com; www.youngeagles.org