This piece originally ran in the May 2026 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine.

At just 13 years old, Kaylee Krapfl, EAA Lifetime 1484483, is already making a significant impact as a volunteer. Her journey with EAA began at a remarkably young age, and her dedication and enthusiasm have only grown over the years. It began as a family tradition, stemming from the commitment of her grandmother, Mary Krapfl, EAA Lifetime 176647, who was the first Krapfl to volunteer at EAA. This legacy of service was passed down to Mary’s son and Kaylee’s father, Brian Krapfl, EAA Lifetime 728870, who continued the tradition with the same dedication and enthusiasm. Inspired by her family’s involvement, Kaylee naturally followed in their footsteps and became one of the youngest of 20 of their family members to volunteer.

Kaylee’s involvement started when she was just 5 years old. She started off by ripping up expired wristbands and picking up trash, but these small tasks were the beginning of what would become a deep-rooted passion for volunteering at AirVenture. “It’s the best part of my summer, probably,” she said. “It’s so much fun!”

But it isn’t just a fun summer vacation. According to her parents, Brian and Ann Krapfl, EAA Lifetime 1484482, Kaylee takes her role seriously. “Sometimes she’s up at 5:00 a.m. getting in that first car ride that’s coming up and comes home at 5:00 p.m. or later,” they said. “She’s been a real trooper for sure.” And one of the aspects Kaylee enjoys most about volunteering is the sense of community and the opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life. “They’re all so nice,” she said.

Kaylee’s interest in aviation was sparked by her experiences at EAA, and she said that over the past two years things have really “clicked” for her. Her dream is to make aviation a lifetime passion by combining her love of teaching and flying, potentially becoming a certificated flight instructor. “It’d be really cool if I can put my two favorite things together and do something like that,” she explained.

Inspired by aviation role models including historical figures and family members alike, Kaylee looks up to many pilots. “I did Amelia Earhart for this project that we had to do on a historical person … all the accomplishments that she had were amazing,” she said. But the people she looks up to the most are much closer to home like her grandpa, dad, and godfather.

Despite her young age, her family is incredibly supportive of her ambitions. “She’s got determination to do whatever she wants,” Ann said. “I’m all for it if that’s what she wants to do,” Brian added. “I guess maybe based on my background, I know there’s probably still a lot of people that feel that flying is unsafe, but … I have no problems with that at all. You definitely have to do what fulfills you and what makes you happy. Otherwise, life could be very miserable.”

Kaylee’s story just goes to show the impact that early involvement and family support can have on a young person’s life. Her journey with EAA is just beginning, but as she continues to volunteer and learn, there’s no doubt that Kaylee will reach great heights.

Volunteers make EAA AirVenture Oshkosh — and just about everything else EAA does — possible. This space in EAA Sport Aviation is dedicated to thanking and shining the spotlight on volunteers from the community. Sadly, it cannot capture all of the thousands of volunteers who give so much to the community every year. So, next time you see a volunteer at AirVenture or elsewhere, however they are pitching in to make EAA better, be sure to thank them for it. It’s the least we can do. Do you know a volunteer you’d like to nominate for Volunteer Spotlight? Visit EAA.org/Submissions.