Learn more about EAA’s youth programs

March 1, 2021November 5, 2025

A Recap of My Ray Aviation Scholar Journey

From Young Eagle to Private Pilot in less than a year, thanks to the Ray Aviation Foundation, EAA, and the dedicated support of a local chapter.

February 25, 2021October 17, 2025

How the Young Eagles Changed Our Lives

Youth Outreach

As children, we visited science centers, air and space museums, and air shows. While we enjoyed these activities, nothing compared to our experience flying with the Young Eagles!

February 11, 2021November 5, 2025

An Empowered Couple Empowering Kids

Why We Fly, Youth Outreach

For Corben Meyer, EAA 1252156, and Renee Brilhante, EAA 1074356, EAA’s Young Eagles program was exactly what they needed to get them started and now this young couple is paying ... Read more

February 4, 2021November 6, 2025

Ray Scholar Gives Back

Chapters, Youth Outreach

Jake Owsley, EAA 1283935 and Ray Aviation Scholar recipient, flies his first Young Eagle passengers after earning his private pilot certificate.

January 28, 2021October 16, 2025

Making an Emergency Landing as a Student Pilot

Learn to Fly, Youth Outreach

Ryan Majors put his training to the ultimate test during his cross-country solo flight when he had to make an emergency landing in a field.

January 7, 2021January 8, 2021

EAA Young Eagles Pilot Receives Heartwarming Thank You

Why We Fly, Youth Outreach

Former United Airlines Captain Larry Steenstry received a pleasant surprise when his former Young Eagle, Tyler Norton, knocked on his door to say thank you nine years after his introductory ... Read more

December 17, 2020October 16, 2025

A Thank You From a Ray Scholar

Learn to Fly, Youth Outreach

After catching the flying bug at age nine, William McCarthy progressed from Young Eagle to Ray Scholar to private pilot, and he’d like to thank some of the folks who ... Read more

December 10, 2020October 16, 2025

Checkride Milestone — Faith Rhoads

Learn to Fly, Milestones, Youth Outreach

All of my hard work had paid off and my dream of being a pilot came true. When I returned to my home airport, my instructor and parents were waiting ... Read more

December 3, 2020October 29, 2025

Finding a Diamond in the Rough

Chapters, Youth Outreach

How an EAA chapter made a difference by adopting an airport.

November 12, 2020November 12, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Tim O’Hara-Haworth

Learn to Fly, Milestones, Youth Outreach

On July 30, 2020, Tim became a private pilot at the age of 17 years and 20 days.

November 11, 2020October 17, 2025

Checkride Milestone — Jessica Postle

Milestones, Youth Outreach

Congratulations to Jessica Postle on passing her private pilot checkride on October 9!

October 29, 2020October 29, 2025

Checkride Milestone — Lily Busenbark

Milestones, Youth Outreach

Congratulations to Lily Busenbark, EAA 1293705, on passing her private pilot checkride on October 20!

October 21, 2020October 16, 2025

A Really Fun Day

Why We Fly, Youth Outreach

Making Stearman memories.

October 15, 2020October 29, 2025

16-Year-Old Ray Scholar Solos in Ohio

Milestones, Youth Outreach

Mother Nature provided some challenges for Jeremy, as the winds had been pretty strong. On September 25, Jeremy and his instructor did a couple “touch-and-goes” at the Northeast Ohio Regional ... Read more

October 7, 2020October 29, 2025

EAA Mentor Coaches Young Man to Commercial Pilot Career

Chapters, Youth Outreach

Just like the Starfish Story by Loren Eiseley, EAA volunteers take pride in making a difference “one future pilot at a time.”

See all youth stories >>