Young Eagles

Free Flights For Kids!



What is Young Eagles?

EAA Chapter 1097 Young Eagles program is a unique way of welcoming young people to the wonder, exhilaration, and freedom of flight. The program is sponsored by the EAA Aviation Foundation, a non-profit national organization, dedicated to providing a motivational aviation experience for the younger generation.

The initial goal of the EAA National Young Eagles Program was achieved by flying one million children by the year 2003 – the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brother’s flight at Kitty Hawk and the dawn of aviation’s second century.  The program has been so successful that it has been extended indefinitely. To date the Young Eagles Program has flown over 2 million kids! EAA Chapter 1097 participates in this exciting program, offering kids from ages 8-17 truly unforgettable experience of flying above the Connecticut Valley.

Our 2024 Flight Schedule

We plan to fly on the following dates, subject to change. Please check our Young Eagles Event Page for the most up-to-date schedule and information.

How Do The Flights Work?

Before flying, the Young Eagles are given a presentation of the airplane, it’s flight controls, how it flies and instructions for the 15 to 20 minute flight. Each flight takes place in a registered airplane flown by a licensed, experienced EAA General Aviation pilot, who volunteer their time, their aircraft and their expertise to provide the opportunity of safe flight experience to kids. Standard maneuvers are performed during the flight and the one-time flights are provided free of charge. After the flight, flight certificates and flight log books (signed by the pilot) are provided to the new Young Eagle, as well as guidance on where to get more information to continue the experience of flying.

How Do I Register My Kids for a Flight?

Registration for our Young Eagles rallies takes place online via a unique event link specific to each event. As events are announced links to register for each event will be uploaded to our Young Eagles Event Page. PLEASE NOTE: there is a registration/waiver form that must be signed by a PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN on the day of the event. This waiver is signed electronically via an ipad kiosk at the event site. Please note that we cannot accept photocopies of this form, and kids cannot fly without the form being completed

Need Additional Information?

For more information about the national program visit the EAA National Young Eagles Site for all the details about this exciting national program.

For questions about the program or schedule please contact the EAA 1097 Young Eagles Coordinator Ray Marrion via [email protected]

To see photographs of previous Young Eagles Events click here.