EAA Young Eagles welcoming more young people to flight in 2010

New chairmen, programs will build on 1.5 million Young Eagles already
flown
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (Jan. 13, 2009) - Following
an extremely active and noteworthy 2009, EAA's Young Eagles program is
in an outstanding position to introduce thousands more young people to
the world of flight this year. Young Eagles, introduced in July 1992,
has already flown more than 1.5 million young people at no charge,
making it the largest youth aviation education program in history.
Nearly 80,000 Young Eagles were flown in 2009, a four percent
increase over the 2008 total despite soft economic conditions. In
addition, 1,256 EAA-member volunteer pilots flew Young Eagles for the
first time, putting the total number of participating pilots at more
than 43,000 since the program's inception.
"What Young Eagles has done since 1992 is nothing short of
remarkable, and has become an essential part of the aviation community's
effort to bring new people into aviation," said Tom Poberezny, EAA
chairman/president. "Each one of us in aviation must continue to ask
ourselves, 'What am I doing to encourage growth in the aviation
community?' The thousands of Young Eagles volunteers in the cockpit and
on the ground are already answering the question with their
participation."
Among 2009's Young Eagles highlights that have built momentum
for a bright 2010 include:
* US Airways Flight 1549 cockpit crew Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles
were introduced as the program's new co-chairmen, succeeding actor
Harrison Ford. Sullenberger and Skiles have already been actively
involved in Young Eagles activities since their introduction in late
September;
* ConocoPhillips continued more than 15 years of Young Eagles support
with its popular aviation fuel rebate program, doubling the rebate to
two dollars per gallon for much of 2009;
* Sporty's Pilot Shop unveiled a viable "next step" program for Young
Eagles, as the famed aviation store offered free access to its online
Complete Pilot Training Course and a Young Eagles logbook to every Young
Eagle flown. More than 2,000 young people have already enrolled in the
online course;
* Sporty's enhanced its support by endowing an EAA staff position
dedicated to aviation opportunities for young people. EAA's new youth
programs manager, Brian O'Lena - a longtime EAA member and Young Eagles
pilot - began his role in November;
* The Young Eagles Pilot Credit Program continued to award EAA Air
Academy scholarships for young people interested in pursuing their
aviation interests, with additional fundraising allowing a five-dollar
credit for each Young Eagle flown. In addition to supporting Air Academy
attendees, the credits were also available to EAA Chapters to help
enhance and promote their local youth outreach activities.
* More than 86,000 people subscribe to the monthly Young Eagles
e-newsletter, a total that increased by nearly one-third in 2009;
* Reno Elliott, a 16-year-old from Carmichael, Calif., became Young
Eagle No. 1,500,000 on October 3, 2009, when he was flown by Phil Haupt
of Roseville, Calif.;
The aviation industry unified in its support of Young Eagles and
EAA's other education programs during the annual "Gathering of Eagles"
fundraiser during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009, raising $1.8 million to
support the programs that will provide the next generation of aviation
consumers.
"Young people remain fascinated by flight and are eager to
explore the sky through Young Eagles," said Steve Buss, Young Eagles
executive director. "The number of pilots who credit their aviation
inspiration to a Young Eagles flight is growing each year, and that's a
credit to each of the volunteers who make it happen. We are looking
forward to building on the success of 2009 and encourage all EAA member
pilots to continue to seek out young people who may be interested in
this unique program."
While Young Eagles are flown everyday throughout the year, EAA's
International Young Eagles Day, the annual date specifically dedicated
to flying Young Eagles, will this year be held on Saturday, June 12.
EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world's most
engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 160,000 members and
1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their
passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For
more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA
(800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates,
connect with http://twitter.com/EAAupdate.