Young Eagles

Recently, our homeschool group took a field trip to a small airport near our city. Each child had the opportunity to go up in a small airplane with an experienced pilot as part of the EAA Young Eagles program.

My girls have actually flown many times in commercial aircraft--more than most kids their age, I imagine. But this was a completely different experience for them. Emily was actually allowed to steer the plane once it was in the air and also got to call the air traffic control to notify them that they were landing. It was an awesome experience for them and all the other kids. The goal of the program is to introduce flying to as many youngsters as possible. The pilots want to open up a world of possibilities to these kids. They won't all become pilots, of course, but many will look at the experience and expand their dreams in other areas. I think it must be successful--my oldest daughter now wants to take flying lessons!

Check out the web site for more information on the Young Eagles program. There is even a logbook that lists all the Young Eagles and what kind of plane they flew in.