Young Eagles Updates from HQ

September 2024 - The air is feeling a bit crisper, the leaves are beginning to change here in the upper Midwest, and prime flying season is settling in across the country. Fall is a great time to fly Young Eagles in nearly every corner of the continent, so I hope you and your chapter are able to get out and fly some Young Eagles to finish off 2024 in strong fashion!

Although EAA AirVenture is now two months behind us, I am still riding high on the energy felt throughout that week. Coming out of the convention, there are plenty of items to share with the Young Eagles volunteer corps.

During the Young Eagles Volunteer Banquet, Jimmy Graham was officially named as the sole chairman for the Young Eagles program.

Sean D. Tucker served as the Young Eagles chairman for 11 years, and in that time flew more than 120 Young Eagles. Many of these Young Eagles were flown during Sean’s media days while on the air show tour. Sean embodied everything that Young Eagles means to our volunteers and the youths that we impact. His passion for flight, recognition of volunteers, and continuous drive to inspire kids is truly infectious.

Jimmy served alongside Sean for six years as the co-chairman, but now fully retired from the NFL, Jimmy is ready to get even more invested in the Young Eagles program. Jimmy is a pilot’s pilot — flying everything from helicopters, floatplanes, aerobatics, to high-performance twins. Jimmy has already been working behind the scenes to push the Young Eagles program and bring it to as many youths as possible.

AirVenture also served as the first opportunity for volunteers to check out the new Young Eagles online registration tool. There is a feature article in this month’s newsletter that will provide you with more information on the progress of that project. Despite a few delays, I am thrilled with the progress being made and I anticipate a rollout in early October.

The last item I’d like to note is regarding Young Eagles credits. There are only three months left to make purchases that are eligible for reimbursement and get your Air Academy camp reservations made using the 2023 Young Eagles credits. Camp reservations opened on September 3, so be sure to reserve your chapter’s slot(s) soon! You can visit EAA.org/YECredits for redemption and EAA.org/AirAcademy for camp reservations.

As always — THANK YOU for your continued support of the Young Eagles program. I hope the fall flying season treats you well.

Tailwinds,

David Leiting, EAA Lifetime 579157 - Eagles Program Manager

May, 2024 —  There is plenty going on with the Young Eagles program, especially as we transition from peak flying season in the south to peak flying season in the northern portion of the country.

The Young Eagles Online Registration rebuild is progressing very nicely! Although the project is slightly behind schedule, I am thrilled with the product that has been produced thus far. You can read more about the timing of this project and the transition plan in this month’s newsletter.

Another exciting update is regarding the Young Eagles Flight Plan. The FREE flight lesson voucher, earned by Young Eagles after completing the first three modules of the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, has been increased to a value of $160. To see the entire Flight Plan details, including how Young Eagles can receive reimbursement after passing the FAA Knowledge Exam, visit EAA.org/FlightPlan.

On top of those projects, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 planning is well underway! Here are a number of the highlights.

• The Young Eagles Volunteer Banquet is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23. Due to the limited seating, invites will be sent to Young Eagles coordinators and pilots that were active in the program within the past year.
• To supplement the banquet, the Young Eagles Corn Roast is scheduled for Thursday, July 25, at 4 p.m. Registration for this event is open, and you can reserve your space here.
• The EAA Blue Barn, Youth Welcome Center, and Member Center need your volunteer support. You can see openings and select your slots here.
• EAA loves to celebrate some of our most dedicated year-round Young Eagles volunteers during AirVenture. Please nominate a deserving volunteer here!
As always – THANK YOU for your continued support of the Young Eagles program. I continue to be amazed by the volunteer support and passion, and it is what fuels us at EAA HQ. I hope to see you in Oshkosh this July! Tailwinds,
David Leiting, EAA Lifetime 579157
Eagles Program Manager