EAA’s Young Eagles Aims for 2.5 Million Introductory Flights
The Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program, which over three decades has become the largest youth aviation education program, is focusing its efforts on reaching 2.5 million Young Eagles flown by the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention in July 2026.
“From those first Young Eagle flights at Oshkosh in July 1992 to today, more than 50,000 EAA-member pilots have shared their time, aircraft and knowledge to open the world of flight to young people,” Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and chairman of the board, said in a news release. “We now see its effect in developing two generations of pilots. We are now calling upon EAA members to reach the next big milestone of 2.5 million Young Eagles flown in the next 10 months and to celebrate this achievement with us at Oshkosh next July.”
As of Sept. 24, there have been 2,453,776 Young Eagles flown. Those Young Eagles have been flown in aircraft ranging from hot air balloons to King Airs to corporate jets on every continent except Antarctica. Volunteer Young Eagles pilots who fly 25 Young Eagles or more from Oct. 1 through July 31,2026, will receive a limited-edition ballcap. Visit eaa.org/fly25ye to learn more.
“As I visit Young Eagles rallies, the volunteer leaders often tell me the same thing – there are plenty of eager kids ready to go flying, but more pilots are needed and always welcome,” said Jimmy Graham, the retired NFL All-Pro tight end who serves as program chair. “We aviators all have had that one flight that sparked our love of aviation, so it’s time to get involved and sign up to fly Young Eagles.” Source: eaa.org