By Ted Luebbers
It was a bright sunny day when the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 534 held their first Young Eagles Rally for 2026. They introduced 18 young people to the magic of flight for the first time.
Around 8:15 on Saturday morning, Jan. 3, 2026 the parking lot in front of the EAA hangar began to fill up with young people accompanied by parents, friends and grandparents anticipating a great aviation adventure. This all took place at the Leesburg International Airport in Leesburg.
There was also a great turnout of EAA members to volunteer their time to make this event a success.
Nine volunteer chapter pilots turned out to join the fun by taking these kids for their first flights. They brought their nine general aviation, single engine, fixed wing aircraft, to this aviation gala. They paid for the fuel, and enjoyed the delight and excitement displayed by their young crew members.
There is never any charge to participants for these Young Eagle flights.
Other chapter members were on hand to do the necessary paperwork and make sure everybody was safe on the ramp when their kids took off.
EAA Chapter 534 does this each month, except for the summer months. The purpose is to acquaint young people with the wonders and freedom of flight in small planes. This experience is open to any young person aged 8 to 17.
The hope is that this experience will kindle an interest in aerospace and someday they will want to become private pilots themselves. In the past this experience has set many young people on the path to become airline pilots.
After their 15-to-20-minute flights it is interesting to see the smiles on these kids’ faces and the excitement they display to their parents when they return. If there were any fears or concerns, they had prior to their flights, this has been all replaced by a desire to do it again.
When they return to the hangar, the young flyers will receive a commemorative certificate and an official log book both signed by the pilot who took them up. They will also receive, at no charge, an online Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course which will teach them what they need to learn if they wish to become a private pilot. This course will prepare them to take the Federal Aviation Administration written test they will need to pass.
If you know of a youngster that has expressed in interest in aviation, EAA is the place to go to find out how to help them scratch that itch.
You may go to your local airport to find out if there is an EAA chapter there, or go to the following web site, < www.eaa.org>
If you would like to find out more about EAA Chapter 534 you may go to, <www.eaachapter534.org>
