educational experiences to 10,220
school and scout groups in 2008,
and Pioneer Airport volunteer pilots
flew more than 1 ,000 Young Eagles.
These programs helped pass on the
knowledge and history of aviation to
our future generations.
EAA’s Historic Aircraft Tours
EAA’s WWII B- 17 Flying Fortress,
Aluminum Overcast, visited 26
different states this year, making
nearly 60 stops at local airports,
aviation museums, EAA chapters,
and other aviation institutions,
giving once-in-a-lifetime experiences
to 4,171 people. EAA’s 1929 Ford
Tri-Motor provided 4,958 people
with the experience of what it was
like to ride in the world’s first true
airliner. Hundreds also experienced
the golden years of aviation through
flights in EAA’s WACO, Travelair,
and other historic aircraft at Pioneer
Airport. These outreach efforts
promote aviation history and
encourage participation.
To continue the growth of the next
generation of aviation enthusiasts,
we must continue to support core
educational programs that challenge,
motivate, inspire, and nurture interest
and enthusiasm for flying.
EAA Young Eagles Program
In 2008, approximately 6,000
volunteer pilots logged 10,647 hours
giving 73,471 children their first
flight experience—helping EAA’s
Young Eagles program reach another
milestone—nearly 1. 5 million
children flown since the program’s
launch in 1992. The 2008 success of
EAA’s fundraising efforts led to the
expansion of the Young Eagles Credits
Program. Previously, the program
awarded a $1 credit to chapters for each
Young Eagle flown for the purpose of
creating scholarships to attend EAA
Air Academy. Credits increased in
value to a $5 credit, and the range of
activities to apply credits towards was
greatly expanded.
Educational Programs
EAA’s Air Academy, summer camps
with aviation instructors, helped 248
youth ages 12-18 explore the world
of flight, and also celebrated its 25th
anniversary this year. Participation
from international students also
showcased the academy’s vast global
reach. There were 380 high school
students ages 14-18 that participated
in the online AeroScholars program
this year, supported by The Thomas
Wathen Foundation and Garmin
Corporation. More than 40 trained
mentors helped students earn up to six
college credits and prepare themselves
to take the FAA Private Pilot written
examination. EAA chapters sponsored
16 of those students. Space Week,
supported by a grant from Wisconsin
Space Grant Consortium, was
held twice in 2008 inside the EAA
AirVenture Museum, and nearly 3,000
students explored the fascinating
world of flight through hands-on
activities and demonstrations.
KidVenture
KidVenture marked its 10th
anniversary in 2008. More than
23,000 children and parents
participated in hands-on,
educational, and fun aviation-based
demonstrations and presentations
at Pioneer Airport during EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh 2008. A Junior
A&P program was added this year
and included an engine shop,
avionics section, and professional
A&P mechanics on-hand as
mentors. Children also received an
endorsement in their logbook for
their participation. More than 400
volunteers representing 25 chapters
participated in KidVenture 2008.
Women Soar You Soar
The fourth annual Women Soar You
Soar, held in conjunction with the
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh,
introduced 80 young women in grades
9 through 12 to 25 mentors during
the first two days of EAA AirVenture
Oshkosh 2008. Mentors inspired and
empowered the young women, and
presented the many career options
in aviation available to them. There
were also more hands-on activities
to choose from, including career
planning sessions and more time on
the AirVenture grounds.
