EAA's CEO and President, Rod Hightower, announced today that the amazingly successful Young Eagle's program will be expanding its scope in the near future. Beginning in 2012, the program will allow adult's to take part in the first flight experience and will no longer be limited to young people under the age of 18.
The EAA Young Eagle's program was established in 1992 as a means for young people, between the ages of 8 and 17, to experience the thrill of flight. It introduced many kids to the world of aviation and helped to kick start their flight training pursuits. Young Eagle's flights include a ground briefing, explaining the flight and identifying some of the pre-flight activities and listing landmarks that should be visible during the flight. The flight itself usually consists of a 20-30 minute flight near the airport.
Since its inception, over 1.6 million children have become Young Eagle's, with the number still increasing as 100's of EAA chapter's across the country continue to hold Young Eagle events. The Young Eagles 'graduates' span over 90 countries, aided in experiencing flight by over 42,000 volunteer pilots.
The program has been a huge success, surpassing its goal of 1 million young eagles flown faster than anticipated. Studies have also shown that participating in the Young Eagles program, increases one's chance of pursuing a flight training path and actually completing the training. Currently, about 7.3% of all pilot's under the age of 35 have taken part in the Young Eagles program.
Additional details and information on the inclusion of adult's in this program will be provided later and will be passed on as soon as the EAA provides it.
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