Young Eagles Program

EAA, the Experimental Aircraft Association, is an international aviation membership association founded in 1953 and headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  Local chapters are located in all 50 states and many countries.  Sierra Chapter 403 is one of those local chapters located in Carson City, Nevada. Members are aviation enthusiasts of every age group and background.  They enjoy all types of airplanes, including "experimental" aircraft, those aircraft built by individual craftsmen, rather than in a factory.  “Experimental” refers to the category of aircraft designated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for these types of airplanes.  Similar to standard category aircraft, experimental aircraft are inspected and certified airworthy by the FAA.

The EAA Young Eagles Program was developed in 1992 to welcome young people into the world of aviation. Aviation is exciting and vital to our nation's future and the best way to convey that message is to actually experience flight in a firsthand setting.

Each Young Eagle will experience a safe and enjoyable flight that will give them new perspectives on the world and life in general.  Young Eagles program participants will understand that an individual's potential is unlimited and for them, the sky is the limit!

The pilots participating in the Young Eagles program are local members of EAA who are volunteering their time and aircraft to make your child’s flight possible.  Each pilot is certificated by the FAA (or governing organization outside the U.S., such as Transport Canada) and all aircraft are likewise licensed by the government.  Additionally, each pilot is required to complete EAA’s Youth Protection Training and background check program.  The flights are conducted according to federal regulations.  No aerobatic maneuvers are performed.

If your child is between the ages of 8 and 17, contact Sierra Chapter 403.  As a parent, you'll need to complete a Young Eagles registration form that is available from your pilot.  They can help you fill out the form and answer any other specific questions you may have.

First, your pilot will explain what will happen during the flight.  This might include talking about the airplane, reviewing an aeronautical chart and identifying reference points during the flight, completing a careful "walk-around" pre-flight inspection of the airplane and identifying the parts that control the airplane, helping buckle your child's seat belt, and describing the interior of the airplane, including the instrument panel.

Once in the air, your child will see the earth and sky in a new and exciting way.  They will experience the wonderful freedom of flight that many people only dream about.  Many people remember this experience for the rest of their lives.  The length of the flight will depend on many factors, but most Young Eagles flights last between 15 and 20 minutes.

Back on the ground, there will be additional time for questions after the flight.  Please note that each pilot is encouraged to follow the Young Eagles pilot guidelines, but also has the freedom to customize the flight to make the most of local conditions and facilities.

After the flight is completed, the pilot will issue your child the official EAA Young Eagles logbook or certificate.  The pilot then returns the registration form to the EAA Young Eagles office, where the flight will be officially registered in the World's Largest Logbook.

At the same time, EAA understands that privacy is important.  Only basic information is displayed on the web and your address and phone number will never become part of the public database.

EAA will send your child follow-up information about our free online ground school course, details regarding other youth aviation programs, and EAA scholarships.  Your child's name and email address will not be sold or used for commercial purposes.  EAA is sensitive to keeping you and your child's contact information confidential.

Young Eagles flights are available to youth ages 8-17, and are provided by EAA volunteers.  Many flights are conducted at EAA chapter-hosted Young Eagles rallies, while other are provided on a one-off basis.  Youths must complete a Young Eagles flight to access the other four steps of the Flight Plan. Contact Sierra Chapter 403 today!

An EAA student membership is available FREE of charge to any young person age 8-18 who has completed a Young Eagles flight.  Student membership provides access to the same benefits and resources as regular EAA membership.  Following a Young Eagles flight, youth can activate their membership by visiting  EAA.org/Student and entering the unique code located on the back of the Young Eagles Logbook provided after the flight.

Learning about the world of aviation can start at any age — and AeroEducate is designed for students K-12, no matter where you are on your journey.  Have fun with aviation-based activities that you can do at home or get hands-on with aviation at your local airport through the Chapter.

Take this private pilot ground school, free of charge ($279 value), so you can take the first step in training to earn your pilot certificate.  Once completed, EAA will even reimburse you after you pass your FAA Knowledge Exam! ($175 value)

Your enrollment in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course is completed when you activate your EAA student membership.

After completing the first three volumes of the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, you’ll qualify for a free first flight lesson at a flight school of your choice ($130 value).

Sporty’s will contact EAA once you complete the first three volumes, and EAA will then mail you a waiver to be signed by your parents.  This waiver is sent back to EAA, and once received by EAA your voucher will be emailed with instructions on how to redeem it.