Young Eagles Online Registration Revamp Update

September 2024 - The new EAA Chapter Events online registration tool continues to come together quite nicely! Although the tool isn’t going live as soon as hoped, I am very pleased with the product updates that have been taking place.

As has been documented in a number of locations, the delay in the product development is largely attributed to my absence from the office for a number of weeks in April and May. That quickly bled into AirVenture preparations, so the development of the new tool took a bit of a backseat.

In the lead-up to AirVenture, we were able to release an early beta test version of the software to several chapters. In addition, Young Eagles volunteers were able to demo the system at the EAA Blue Barn. We collected approximately 100 comments of feedback, ranging from technical glitches to desired software enhancements. All this feedback was collated into one document but split into two sections. Section 1 — Bugs and Breaks and Section 2 — System Enhancements. This document was sent over to the developer in mid-August.

The majority of the bugs and breaks have been addressed, but as with most software testing, our team has identified a few other glitches. Those have been sent over to the developer as well, but we are awaiting the chance to review these fixes.

Many of the system enhancements are simple, but there are some bigger ones that users should look forward to seeing post-production launch.

• Addition of other event types — Young Eagles Workshop, Young Eagles Build and Fly, Flying Start, etc.
• Optional functionality for chapters to reserve a certain number of seats for first-time Young Eagles.
• Updated look and feel of automated emails.
• Sequence numbers assigned to youths upon check-in.
• Improved integration and functionality of the iPad app.
• Assurance that events will not be overbooked if the event is bombarded right at the registration opening date/time.

What to expect next?

As of late August, our plan is to finish addressing the items that came up in beta testing. Once those items are taken care of, the tool should be ready for production launch. I anticipate production launch to occur in early October.

EAA is also working on a communication to all Young Eagles Day users, notifying them of the new system, how their profile was migrated, and how to access their new profile.

Updated training materials are also high on my list to address. Though the tool should require little training for current Young Eagles Day users, there are a few changes that need to be highlighted.

Thank you for your patience as we work through this massive transition to a new Young Eagles online software. Although the desired launch date was missed, this delay has given us the opportunity to slow down and go over the tool with a fine-tooth comb. Rather than rush into production with a half-baked tool, EAA is taking the slow approach to make sure we get it right. Young Eagles Day set a high bar, and EAA needs to be sure this second offering meets volunteer expectations. There is only one opportunity to make a good first impression upon production launch, we don’t want to miss that opportunity.

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact our team with any questions at yeagles@eaa.org.

May, 2024 — Editor’s Note: This update was drafted the first week of April, so the project has likely made significant progress since that time.

In the spirit of full transparency, I wanted to provide an update regarding the Young Eagles Online Registration program (currently known as Young Eagles Day).

As you hopefully know by now, the program is undergoing a complete rewrite. This was announced in December 2023.

The initial target beta test launch was set for early April. Unfortunately, we are a bit behind schedule. This is primarily related to the holiday season, EAA providing additional information to the developer which added some additional work, and a 5% delay on the developer’s side. Exacerbating the delay is my parental leave. My wife Michelle and I recently had our first child and I will be taking an extended leave to care for her and our daughter. This leave has slightly diverted my attention and will likely further delay the beta test period.

Due to the combination of these factors, I am now targeting a full go-live sometime after International Young Eagles Day (June 8, 2024) and before EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 (July 22, 2024). This is all subject to change, along with my availability.

The good news is that the developer that we are working with has done a great job of designing a tool that is similar to Young Eagles Day, while implementing a number of enhancements along the way. Here are some key enhancements I can already mention.

• Pilots can add multiple chapters to their profile, so they show up for multiple chapters.
• The event creation process has been slightly modified and simplified.
• All chapter Young Eagles coordinators will have automatic admin access to chapter events.
• The chapter coordinator will have the ability to pull event and historical reports for all flight data, not just what is contained in the system.
• Single sign-on with EAA.org. Your EAA.org login credentials will be extended to the new tool so that you only need to remember one username/password.
• Direct integration with all EAA’s databases and member directories.

Several Young Eagles coordinators have already shared their requests for additional enhancements. Please note, at this stage in the project, we cannot add additional features. There are a number of additions already on the docket for implementation once EAA’s IT team has full control of the tool.

If you have any ideas or questions, please send them to yeagles@eaa.org.

March, 2024 — As was documented in December 2023, the Young Eagles Online Registration system (known as Young Eagles Day) is undergoing a major rebuild.

The project is progressing very nicely, and I am excited for the launch of this new tool. Though the new system will retain 85-90 percent of its current functionality, there will still be a beta test period to work through the kinks. The beta test is set to take place this April through June. EAA has identified roughly 18 chapters to participate in the beta test.

Following the beta phase, EAA is targeting a go-live date in mid-June after International Young Eagles Day. To assist with the go-live, EAA will be migrating all the current user profiles, as well as producing updated training materials.

Since there is a natural planning period, the new online tool will run in parallel with Young Eagles Day for a few weeks. This will allow chapters with upcoming/outstanding events in Young Eagles Day to successfully close out events. Young Eagles Day will likely be shut down just prior to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024.

To assist with the full transition, Young Eagles coordinators can expect an additional email from EAA outlining the transition plan in further detail.

In the meantime, volunteers are encouraged to contact EAA at yeagles@eaa.org with any questions or concerns.