An area pilot has given more than 500 young people a free demonstration airplane ride as part of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program. Among the more than 50,000 volunteers around the world who have donated their time and aircraft to the effort is James Drake of Lawrence.
All pilots in the Young Eagles program explain the safe operation of airplanes and principles of flight before the short trips. Participating young people become official Young Eagles with the flight. The names of the pilots and the participants are also included in the “World’s Largest Logbook,” which is on permanent display in the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and online through the Young Eagles website. Young Eagles also have access to an online pilot training course, made possible by Sporty’s Pilot Shops, located in Batavia, Ohio.
The Young Eagles Program launched in July 1992 and has now flown more than 2 million young people, primarily between the ages of 8 and 17. EAA is a worldwide organization with over 200,000 members who enjoy all facets of recreational flight. The goal of the Young Eagles program goal is to allow young people to experience positive activities and discover possibilities available to them within the world of aviation. For more information, visit youngeagles.org.
