Information for Parents and their Young Eagle

Young Eagles Program Information

The Young Eagles program gives young people ages 8 through 17 an opportunity to experience aviation through a free introductory airplane flight. For many young people, this is their first chance to sit in a general aviation aircraft, talk with a pilot, see how an airplane is prepared for flight, and experience the view from above their own community.

A Young Eagles flight is not a flight lesson, and it does not obligate the young person or family to join anything. It is meant to introduce aviation in a safe, welcoming, and memorable way. Before the flight, the pilot explains what to expect, reviews basic safety information, and may talk about the airplane, the instruments, and the preflight inspection.

Young Eagles who already have a logbook from a previous flight should bring it with them so the new flight can be recorded.

What Can Come After a Young Eagles Flight?

A Young Eagles flight can be the first step toward a deeper interest in aviation. After completing a flight, young people may be able to access additional EAA youth aviation resources, including student membership opportunities, online aviation learning, ground school resources, and information about future flight training pathways.

For a young person who is curious about becoming a pilot, mechanic, engineer, air traffic controller, aircraft builder, airport manager, or aviation volunteer, the Young Eagles program is a friendly first step into that world.

Ray Aviation Scholarship Opportunity

EAA Chapter 1298 also supports youth aviation through scholarship opportunities when available, including the EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship.

The EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program made possible through the generosity of the Ray Foundation. The program is managed by EAA and carried out through local EAA chapters. When a chapter is approved to participate, the chapter may nominate a qualified young person who has shown commitment, responsibility, and a serious interest in aviation.

The scholarship may provide up to $12,000 to help offset the cost of flight training. This is not simply a cash award. A Ray Scholar is expected to stay active, communicate regularly, make steady training progress, and work with the chapter during the training process.

What Makes a Strong Candidate?

A strong scholarship candidate is usually someone who:

• Has a serious interest in learning to fly.
• Has participated in Young Eagles or other aviation activities.
• Is mature enough to follow through on training expectations.
• Can begin flight training within the required timeline if selected.
• Is willing to stay connected with the chapter.
• Understands that flight training requires study, discipline, time, and commitment.

How the Scholarship Process Works

Scholarship candidates should understand that the chapter must first be approved to offer the scholarship. After that, the chapter selects or nominates a local candidate, and EAA reviews the scholar application. The process is competitive and requires commitment from both the student and the chapter.

Chapter application periods generally open each year in November. Once a chapter is approved, scholar applications are reviewed according to EAA's annual schedule. The 2027 chapter application period is expected to open November 1, 2026.

Interested Youth or Parents

If you are a young person interested in aviation, or a parent looking for information for your child, please contact EAA Chapter 1298. Tell us the young person's age, aviation interest, whether they have already taken a Young Eagles flight, and whether they are interested in future scholarship information.