By Ted Luebbers
On April 4, 2026, young people got a chance to take their first airplane ride in a small general aviation aircraft at the Leesburg International Airport in Leesburg, Florida.
The flying weather was ideal, as there were blue skies, little wind and a comfortable temperature. Just what the Florida Camber of Commerce would advertise.
This was a Young Eagles Rally where young people get to fly for free in a small, single engine aircraft hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 534.
These flights are piloted by experienced EAA pilots who volunteer their time, private planes, and the cost of fuel so young people get to experience the wonder and freedom of flight. This experience is open to kids eight to seventeen years of age with permission provided by a parent or guardian.
Flights last 15 to 20 minutes and if the child lives nearby, they may get to see their neighborhood from the air.
They may get a chance to be invited to fly the plane to get the feel of it. This is done under the watchful eye of the EAA pilot.
The motivation for Young Eagle flights on the part of EAA is to give a young person the experience of flying in a small plane with the hope they will one day get their own private pilots license. This experience also might spark an interest in some other form of aerospace for future vocation.
Becoming a Young Eagle has many additional perks beyond the flight.
To name a few, each child will receive a commemorative certificate of their flight and an official log book, signed by their EAA pilot.
They will get free access to Sportyâs online Learn to Fly course. This course will help them dig deeper into the information they need to know to acquire a private pilot license. The course will help them to pass the Federal Aviation Administration written exam.
It’s interesting to note the smiles of the kids as they deplane. Itâs obvious they enjoyed their flight.
Many of them will come back again and learn more about aviation with each visit.
If your child has ever expressed an interest in aviation, help them scratch that itch by getting them enrolled in a Young Eagles program like the one at EAA Chapter 534 in Leesburg, Florida, or at a local airport near you.
On this day 24 young people took to the sky with nine experienced EAA pilots. These pilots provided 8 fixed wing, single engine aircraft and one helicopter.
Twelve additional EAA members turned out to help this event be a success by doing the necessary paperwork, escorting kids and parents safely back and forth to the ramp.
The next Young Eagle rally at EAA Chapter 534 will be May 2, 2026, weather permitting.
If you would like more information about the Young Eagles program, or EAA Chapter 534 go to the following websites,www.eaa.org or www.eaachapter534.org.
