Share the joy of flight
Become a Young Eagles volunteer pilot
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) started the Young Eagles program in 1992, and since then has flown more than 2.3 million children across 90 countries in general aviation aircraft at no charge.
EAA chapters are always looking for more pilots to volunteer, and with nearly 1,000 chapters nationwide, it’s not hard to find and participate in a local Young Eagles event near you. Volunteer pilots are also welcome to conduct one-off flights outside of Young Eagles events. Volunteer pilots are not reimbursed for any expenses associated with the flight.
At a typical Young Eagles event, depending on the aircraft and how many passengers they choose to carry, pilots can fly between six and 15 children in a day. The length of a Young Eagles flight is at the discretion of the pilot, and sometimes passengers, but must be conducted in day VFR conditions. No unusual attitudes, formation flights, or aerobatics are allowed.
Paul Marshall, a Beechcraft Bonanza owner and longtime Young Eagles pilot volunteer, has flown more than 400 children since 2001. “I love to fly. I never would have become a pilot if my father hadn’t taken me for a flight,” Marshall said. “It is so satisfying to give that opportunity to so many children who don’t have a family member who can take them.””
To qualify, pilots must be current EAA members, hold at least a sport pilot certificate, and possess a current medical certificate if applicable. Many pilots volunteer with their own personal aircraft, but you don’t have to be an aircraft owner to fly Young Eagles. Many nonowners use a rental aircraft or borrow one from a friend. EAA requires aircraft passenger liability insurance for the aircraft used, regardless of ownership status, and you must be current to carry passengers in that aircraft. EAA also requires their volunteer pilots to complete both an online training and basic background check per the EAA’s Youth Protection Policy.
“EAA’s Young Eagles program is one of the many rewarding ways pilots can volunteer within aviation. Volunteer pilots take kids on free flights, many of which being their first time in a small airplane, in hopes of inspiring the next generation of young pilots. The Young Eagles program fueled my interest in aviation when I took my first flight as a Young Eagle at 11 years old. Now, being able to give back as a pilot and seeing the joy on the kid’s faces during these Young Eagles flights is priceless,” Marshall said.
