Learn About the Young Eagles (Y/E)
What is the Young Eagles program?
The EAA180 Young Eagles program is a vibrant group that is eager to share with others, especially with youth where the excitement, interest to learn new things and happiness is always high. Since 1992, over 2 million youths between the ages of 8-17 have participated in the Young Eagles program by all the EAA chapters combined. Typically, our Chapter flies over 200 youth each year.
Young Eagles flights are held near the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport approximately one Saturday each month.
The program is held at Universal Flight Services, 8140 15th St E, Sarasota, FL 35243. Universal is just north of Ross Aviation Jet Center (formerly Rectrix). Please park in the designated lot North of Universal Flight Services.
Before taking a flight, each Young Eagle is taught about what makes an airplane fly, the importance of always keeping an eye on the weather and safety procedures within the airplane. The Young Eagles are taught by the EAA180 volunteer pilot of the airplane about how and why to inspect an aircraft for airworthiness before each flight. And the pilot always tries to relate to the kids on their age level.
Next the crew loads into the aircraft; watching and listening to how the pilot speaks with the air traffic controllers in the tower to learn which taxiways and runway they should take for their flight. Each plane takes flight so that the Young Eagles can see what the birds see every day when they fly around. Then it is back to the airfield for landing and presentation of their newly-earned personal Young Eagle certificate (always exciting!).
If you would like to have your child participate in the Young Eagles program, please visit www.YoungEaglesDay.org to register.