EAA Announced 1.9 Million Young Eagles Have Been Flown, And That Record Was Set In Oklahoma

David R. Ames, of Newalla, Oklahoma, didn’t know it at the time, but last month he flew what turned out to be the 1.9 millionth EAA Young Eagle during a Young Eagles rally in Oklahoma City. Ames, who serves as Young Eagles coordinator of EAA Chapter 1098, flew Michael Knight, 15, of Oklahoma City in a Piper Cherokee.

According to the World’s Largest Logbook, David has flown nearly 900 Young Eagles since he first become a volunteer Young Eagles pilot in 1999. EAA’s Young Eagles program began in 1992 and set the lofty goal of providing a million young people ages 8-17 a flight in a general aviation aircraft by December 17, 2003, the 100-year anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight. Thanks to dedicated contributions of EAA’s network of volunteer pilots and ground volunteers, that goal was achieved in November 2003.

Today the program continues as vital as ever, forming an integral part of EAA chapter activities and efforts to create the next generation of aviators. For many, a Young Eagles flight is the start of the journey to becoming a pilot, aircraft mechanic, air traffic controller, or other aviation-related career path.

Young Eagle flights are flown by EAA member pilots following strict EAA protocols, but anyone meeting the program requirements may take a Young Eagles flight. These flights are provided at no cost to the participants. Check out the website listed below for more details

(Photo by David R. Ames provided by EAA. Ames poses by his Cherokee at EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor visit to Oklahoma City)

FMI: www.eaa.org/youngeagles