What is EAA Young Eagles

The EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.

Since 1992, more than 1.1 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight through the program. Young Eagles have been registered in more than 90 different countries and have been flown by nearly 40,000 volunteer pilots.  To learn all the details of the EAA sponsored Young Eagles Program visit: www.youngeagles.org

So what will your flight be like?

The biggest question on your mind might be about the actual flight. So what should you expect?

First of all, your pilot will explain what will happen during the flight. This might include talking about the airplane; reviewing an aeronautical chart (or map); identifying reference points during the flight; completing a careful "walk around" preflight inspection of the airplane and identifying the parts that control the airplane.

Once you are ready to go flying, your pilot will help you buckle your seat belt and describe the interior of the airplane, including the instrument panel. Pretty soon, it will be time to go flying!

Once in the air, you'll see the earth and sky in a new and exciting way. You'll experience the wonderful freedom of flight that many people only dream about. If you are like most Young Eagles, you'll remember this experience for the rest of your life.

Most Young Eagle flights last between 15 and 20 minutes. Once back on the ground, there will be additional time for you to ask questions about the flight. Ask away! Your pilot will be happy to tell you more about flying and their particular airplane. And don't forget, you'll also receive an official Young Eagles certificate, which is signed, by your personal pilot and our Chairman Harrison Ford.

We look forward to adding your name to the ever-growing list of EAA Young Eagles!

How do you participate?

The Branch County Flying Club organizes Young Eagle flights at the Coldwater Airport several times every year.  Check our "events calendar" to find out when the next scheduled Young Eagle flights will take place in Coldwater.  There are many other clubs that hold Young Eagle events at many other airports across the country.  You can see a list of most of these events at: http://www.youngeagles.org/news/events/?month=6#YEevents

Meet EAA Young Eagles Chairman Harrison Ford

You might recognize Harrison Ford from his numerous movie roles, like Indiana Jones from the Temple of Doom or CIA Agent Jack Ryan in Clear and Present Danger or the president in Air Force One, but Harrison Ford is also an experienced pilot and Chairman of the EAA Young Eagles program.

Since Young Eagles began in 1992, there have been three Chairmen. All are active pilots and have flown Young Eagles. The first chairman (1992- 1994) was Academy-Award winning actor Cliff Robertson. Mr. Robertson was followed by Gen. Chuck Yeager (1994 - 2003). Of course Gen. Yeager is known as a famous test and combat pilot and the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound. Now, Harrison Ford has taken over for Gen. Yeager.

"It's daunting to step into General Yeager's shoes, but aviation is about learning new skills and the satisfaction that comes with practicing them and doing better," Mr. Ford said upon accepting the position.

Mr. Ford earned his pilot's certificate in 1996 and joined EAA. Since then he has also earned several additional ratings including seaplane, rotorcraft (helicopters) and an instrument rating. He also owns several aircraft including a deHavilland Beaver and Bell helicopter.

"Young Eagles gives kids a view of the world they've never seen before," Ford said. "Each Young Eagle flight is an opportunity to excite kids by sharing a passion for flight and to show them that they, too, can learn the skills to participate in aviation."

As Chairman, Mr. Ford promotes the EAA Young Eagles program when possible and plans to attend the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Fly-In. Mr. Ford has flown nearly 200 Young Eagles since becoming involved in the program in 2001.