More Than 38,000 Kids Flown In 2024 So Far

Young Eagles is the EAA’s youth aviation education program, giving flights at no charge to adolescents and teens along with a parent to stimulate interest in flying and aviation careers. In 2024 more than 38,000 kids were given flights, with the typically active fall flight period under way. We can’t wait to see what the full-year total will end up being.

In addition to the free rides, the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course is available also at no charge to Young Eagles and has expanded its offerings for those wanting to take the next step. EAA’s AeroEducate program is also growing and provides online resources for Young Eagles of all levels who want to explore more about the aviation world – again at no charge.

Young Eagles also had a succession in leadership when Jimmy Graham, an NFL All-Pro tight end currently with the New Orleans Saints and an active Young Eagles pilot, moved from the co-chair position to the role of Young Eagles program chairman. This was done during the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, and he replaces air show pilot Sean D. Tucker who did a lot of great work for the program during his decade as chairman.

David Leiting, EAA’s Eagles Program manager observed, “It’s been great to see Young Eagles activity return to pre-pandemic levels. As we headed into the always-active fall flight rally period, our volunteer pilots had already flown more than 38,000 Young Eagles in 2024, and we’ve welcomed more than 700 new pilots into the program this year. We thank all our pilots and ground support volunteers, who are planting those seeds with young people that will keep aviation vibrant for years to come.”

FMI:  www.eaa.org/eaa/