Frequently Asked Questions
& Answers About Young Eagle Flights

• What's the Young Eagle program about?

  • Have you ever wondered what it's like to fly?  An Eagle Flight member doesn't have to imagine what flying is like.  Each participant will become part of a special group of people who have shared in a common experience - the thrill of flying!  You will have the chance to actually fly in an airplane and look at the world below you.  You are invited to take to the skies and become a member of Eagle Flight!

• How can I get started?

  • If you are between age 8 and 17, you are eligible to participate in a Young Eagle flight.  Check our schedule for a Young Eagle Flight Rally near you.  A parent of guardian must complete and sign our permission slip (available at the rally) for you to fly.  That's it!  We take care of the rest, and you'll have a one of the most memorable experiences of your life!
    
    

  • If you would like more information on Young Eagle flights from Chapter 52, you may contact our Young Eagle Flight Leader.  You can also check out the national Young Eagle web site for additional information.

• How much does it cost?

  • There is no cost to you.  The Young Eagles Program is all volunteer, and all Young Eagles flights are provided free of charge!  Funding for all necessary materials is paid by Chapter 52.  Each pilot pays for 100% of his or her operating costs.  Thanks go to all the pilots and volunteers that make this program such an enormous success!

• How safe is flying?

  • Millions of people fly safely in airplanes every year.  In fact, flying an airplane is safer than many other forms of transportation.  Each flight will take place in a FAA registered airplane by a FAA licensed pilot.  All flights are conducted according to FAA Regulations, and no aerobatics or non-standard flight maneuvers will be performed.

  • Look over the Eagle Flight Facts we have provided.  Take a few minutes to find out what makes an airplane fly and what the different parts of an airplane do.  This will help you understand the things your pilot will talk about during your flight.

• Some basic rules to follow

  • You will have a great time at a Young Eagle Rally, and you will be introduced to some new and exciting things.  However, an airport is not a playground.  Listen and follow instructions given by your pilot and follow these simple but important rules when you are around an airplane:

    • Stay away from the propellers.

    • Listen carefully for instructions on entering and exiting the airplane.

    • Do not touch any part of an airplane without the pilot's permission.
      
      

  • Participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who will also need to fill out a registration form (available at the rally).

• What will my flight be like?

  • Different EAA Chapters conduct Young Eagle flights differently.  With Chapter 52, your flight experience will go like this:

    • At most of our rallies, we will set up several computers installed with Microsoft's Flight Simulator, and special pilot control yokes with throttles.  Until your name is called for your flight, you can spend time "practicing" with our simulators.
      
      

    • Once your name is called, you will be introduced to your pilot, who will then take you to the airplane you'll be flying.  First, your pilot will cover some basic rules for you to follow for your safety while around aircraft.  Your pilot will then familiarize you with the aircraft by walking around the outside and explaining how the engine, and various control surfaces operate.
      
      

    • Your pilot will then assist you in getting inside the aircraft and help you buckle your seatbelt.  Your pilot will then explain the interior of the aircraft, including the instrument panel.
      
      

    • Then it's time to go flying!  After you and your pilot are in the air and away from other air traffic, you will get a chance at flying the airplane yourself!  Your pilot will assist you and show you how it all works.  Your flight will last approximately 20 minutes.
      
      

    • Upon your return to the airport, we will award you with a set of gold pilot wings, take a picture of you and your pilot in front of the airplane, and present you with a custom printed Young Eagle certificate.  This certificate will have your name, the date and location of your flight, the type of aircraft and it's registration, and will be signed by your pilot.  And best of all, it's free!

• What are some of the other benefits of becoming an Eagle Flight Member?

  • A few weeks after your flight, you will be registered with the national EAA Young Eagle office.  You will then receive the following benefits:

    • A special issue of Sport Aviation For Kids magazine which will introduce you to aviation personalities and the wide range of activities available throughout aviation.
      
      

    • Have your name listed in the world's largest logbook on display at the EAA Air Adventure Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and also located on the national Young Eagle web site.
      
      

    • Additional information on other aviation organizations and activities in your area.
      
      

    • Information on scholarship programs administered by the EAA Aviation Foundation.
      
      

  • Chapter 52 in Sacramento adds an additional benefit.  Each year we choose at least one Young Eagle that we have flown, to experience the EAA Air Academy Aviation Camps in Oshkosh, Wisconsin - all expenses paid!