Young Eagles Day
International
EAAERS AROUND THE WORLD took time on Saturday, June 12, to introduce
thousands of children to aviation through International Young Eagles
Day. EAA chapters held more than 150 events, each its own unique local
celebration of flight.
In Pittstown, New Jersey, EAA Chapter 643 provided flights at
the Sky Manor Airport. Young Eagles Coordinator Scott Ducey, EAA
794882, expressed the feelings of many EAA members in a letter to
EAA: “I get the distinct privilege to bring joy to a great group of kids
from all kinds of backgrounds—some have never been in the air before,
others have disabilities, and a few come back every year. Many times
after I step out of the airplane I am greeted by a parent thanking me for
the great gift I provided to their child. But honestly, it is me that should
be thanking them for allowing me to bring happiness to their children.”
For EAA Chapter 731 in Hickory, North Carolina, “first flights” were
not limited to the children, as Peedie Montgomery, EAA 1019889, flew
his first Young Eagle in his Cessna 150. Other chapter members gave
flights in a C-172 and Cirrus SR20, and by lunchtime, 1 9 Young Eagles had
taken flight. The effort at Hickory Regional Airport so impressed Allen
VanNoppen, EAA 1000527, that he joined the chapter and pledged to
return the next day and fly kids in his plane.
In Cleveland, Ohio, 16 kids received their Young Eagles flights from
a collection of aircraft including a Cozy, Stinson 108, and a Cessna 172.
EAA Chapter 127 members also used a Midget Mustang as a ground
demonstrator aircraft, which was useful for explaining aircraft and
homebuilding to the fledgling aviators.
In central Texas, EAA Chapter 187 of Austin partnered with
Fault Line Flyers, a nearby soaring organization, to give 15 children
their first glider flight, demonstrating that flying for fun takes many
EAA Pilot Volunteer Tony Mercurio and his Young Eagle prepare for their flight
at the Buffalo Lancaster Airport.
EAA Co-Chairman Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger signs Young Eagle Thomas
Kolbert’s logbook at EAA Vintage Chapter 29’s Young Eagles Day.
different forms. Taking advantage of the afternoon heat,
each child rode the thermals and was given ground
instruction on aircraft systems, flight characteristics,
assembly, and training methods.
Thank you to all the pilots and volunteers who
conduct these events. For more information on the Young
Eagles program, visit www.YoungEagles.org.
FROM YOUNG EAGLE TO PRIVATE PILOT
TWO DAYS AFTER HIS 17th birthday,
Tyler Stargardt, EAA 1020430, and an
examiner climbed into a Cessna 172
in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to take (and
pass) his private pilot checkride. After
flying as a Young Eagle in June 2002,
with the encouragement of EAA Chapter
992, Tyler took advantage of the Sporty’s
Complete Pilot Training Course offered
to all Young Eagles. After he passed the
FAA written exam Tyler applied for a
$7,500 flight-training scholarship from
EAA and went on to earn his certificate
this June. He is the first Young Eagle to
have gone through the complete Sporty’s
course and earn a pilot certificate.
