By Jennifer Iiams, EAA 1202674
For three remarkable decades, the EAA Young Eagles program has been a beacon of inspiration to young individuals aged 8 to 17, bringing smiles, excitement, and the remarkable opportunity to take flight for the very first time, all at no cost.
Young Eagles is unique in its mission, standing as the sole program with the explicit goal of introducing and inspiring young minds to the world of aviation. In the last 30 years, more than 2.3 million young individuals have taken to the sky, courtesy of the program. This astounding number stands as a testament to the power of dreams and the generosity of those who believe in nurturing the aspirations of tomorrow’s aviators.
To me, few experiences compare to the euphoria of intertwining my passion for flying with the joy of service. On Sunday, August 20, 2023, I had the honor of supporting this incredible program for the first time as a volunteer pilot. Representing the Boeing Employee Flying Association (BEFA), I took to the sky with aircraft N739BT.
Despite the sun struggling to pierce through the layer of haze and smoke at the Arlington Municipal Airport in Snohomish County, Washington, participants and aviation enthusiasts converged with an infectious spirit of excitement. As the aircraft engines roared to life, the children’s faces lit up with a mixture of excitement and wonder. The sound of engines humming was a promise of adventure, of possibilities, and of discovering the world from a whole new perspective.
This event marked a special time in my aviation journey. Having discovered an interest in aviation after the age of 17, I did not have such a warm introduction to the world of flying. But fueled with ambition, I was determined to one day fly airplanes and applied for scholarships like crazy. In 2019, my dedication was rewarded with a $5,000 flight training scholarship from EAA, which had to be used within one year. The first installment was granted upon the solo, while the remainder followed the successful completion of a checkride. This timeline propelled me into the world of flying and I could not be more grateful. Without EAA’s generosity, I know I would not be where I am now. I am honored to now be able to give back to EAA by supporting programs like Young Eagles — programs that hold the potential for me to change lives and instill a lifelong love of flying for other people now.
In all, 130 children took to the sky in Arlington. The event was a tribute to the generosity and dedication of the EAA member volunteers — who make these flights possible. The Young Eagles program stands strong, ready to shape the journeys of countless more potential aviators.
In commemorating three decades of soaring dreams, of kindling the flames of curiosity, and of sending imaginations to new heights, I’d like to thank the incredible volunteers who make it all possible. Though the event was cut short due to falling visibility, the memories of this day will continue to inspire young hearts, proving that when we come together with purpose, we can ignite the spark of possibility in the eyes of the next generation.