A couple of days ago we had an amazing experience, or I should say The Boy did. Earning his wings with the Young Eagles program!
Have you heard about the Experimental Aircraft Association? Neither had I until Mom found out about their Young Eagles program. In a nutshell, the EAA hosts regular, completely free, 1st flights for children from ages 8 -17.
The day begins with a brief ground school where a group of kids is taught a little about the basics of flight, and get to do a walk-around tour of one of the aircraft going up that day. They also get to see a map of the flight plan and have a brief Q & A session with one of the volunteer pilots.
The kids then wait for their pilot to come to meet them. They get to chat for a bit then walk out to the aircraft they will take up.
The pilots help the children get situated in the cockpit, then away they go!
When the flight is over the children get a certificate, a log book, and access to online content to further their education on small aircraft flight!
Not only was this a great experience, but also an amazing outreach program for an otherwise exclusive hobby. By offering their time and talent the benevolent pilots are planting the seeds of excitement in the next generation of enthusiasts and helping keep the hobby aloft!