For years I gave time as an instructor and flew kids in my airplane to get them started in aviation. I worked with others to put hundreds of kids through flight and ground instruction. We prepared them for the knowledge test, helped them get medicals, and processed their student pilot certificates. Each one had a few hours of flight and about 16 hours of ground, all free. The first flights lit the fire. Some came back, used the simulators and the flight school computer room, and kept the fire burning. Some are now private pilots, CFIs, FOs, and captains.
Our program was more than a first ride. It was an extension of the EAA Young Eagles effort at Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, but with added flight instruction. Young Eagles gives kids their first flight and points them toward scholarships and grants. We took it further with instruction, mentoring, medicals, and certificates. The program is now quiet as its leaders have aged. Local energy only goes so far, but the idea stands.
That’s why the new Young Eagles Connect Portal matters. It takes the thrill of that first Young Eagles flight and connects it to Sporty’s Learn-To-Fly Course. What worked for us locally, EAA is now scaling nationwide.
The portal keeps mentors and CFIs in the loop. They can see progress, track lessons, and step in when it counts. That can be the difference between a kid drifting away or earning a certificate.
Too many student pilots start but never finish. The cost gets heavy, the spark fades, and without support they quit. A program that ties the first flight to the next step changes that. Give a kid flight and ground instruction, a medical, and a student pilot certificate, and the odds go up they’ll stick. Keep a mentor connected through tools like the Connect Portal, and they keep moving toward a certificate. That’s how the pipeline holds. Programs like that deserve support.
EAA and Sporty’s just gave us a tool that makes the pipeline stronger. And that’s a good thing!
Can ground instructors participate?
Good question, Nate:
FAA ground instructors can participate in Young Eagles Connect as mentors.
• CFIs: Automatic free access at Sportys.com/CFI.
• Ground Instructors (BGI/AGI): Request access through the EAA Young Eagles office:
• Phone: 877-806-8902 or 800-564-6322
• Email: yeagles@eaa.org
With folks who express an interest in becoming a pilot they usually speak of getting a license. But I advise them to set the initial goal of soloing. It usually takes only 10-15 hours instead of 40+ for a Private license, and will be a memory they will never forget. I explain every pilot has a clear and distinct memory of their first solo and the accomplishment is pretty incredible and will set them apart from just about everyone else. And, by then they’ll know if flying is for them and understand the commitments of time and money. I find the advice is well received. For those folks who solo but don’t obtain the license, they will still understand a lot about General Aviation, and be good advocates for GA. Food for thought. Blue Skies!
Bradley, agreed, aiming for that first solo makes the goal more reachable and unforgettable. Even if students stop there, they carry the experience and often stay connected to aviation.
Thank you Raf for mentoring youth and for this article. I fully applaud your work and the best of Young Eagles intentions.
Back in “the day”, aviation for me became a life goal which, thanks to my father initially embraced humanitarian professional work – my eventual first and best aviation career, the romance of flying, and the continuing challenge of achieving what initially for me seemed an impossible dream. It was a 55 + year journey fueled by organic intention, encouraged by external but important reinforcement by local professionals, probably not unlike yourself.
Programs like EAA’s Young Eagles are important initiators to future aviation careers. In my experience, meaningful lasting aviation careers also require a “vocational calling” composed of organic and blood born emotional initiative which are equally important as external influence such as Young Eagles.
Thank you, John Kliewer, for reminding us how much this is driven by passion and mentorship. Hats off to EAA members, especially those who’ve flown and supported Young Eagles, for keeping the dream alive.
“It is hard to make predictions, especially about the future”… Everyone’s favorite catcher for the Yankees.
The portal is a nice idea if the student has a mentor and the mentor is willing to put in the added effort. It doesn’t sound near as comprehensive as your program was , Raf, but still any added connection between student and a mentor can no doubt help if both are commited.
Personally, I would also like to see a specific, initial screening if you will for new students, kind of a counseling session to assess capabilities, finances, drive, planning etc. so the student can be guided with economy in all areas. My experience was clouded by the money motivation of the flight school, but I made it through nonetheless.
Considering costs are always front and center, ( I read average PPL is around $22K ) I’m hopeful the connection to Sporty’s Learn-To-Fly course would not add any financial burden on the prospective student either.
Dave, you’re right, the portal only works if a mentor is dedicated. It adds to the Sporty’s program, it doesn’t replace it. Your idea for an upfront counseling session is smart, helping match goals and giving students a chance to plan ahead and aim for solo as their first milestone.
What often goes unappreciated is how much support the Young Eagles Flight Plan already offers at no cost. EAA provides free access to Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course ($299), reimbursement for the FAA Knowledge Exam after a pass ($175), and a voucher for an introductory flight lesson ($160). That’s about $634 in benefits, giving a student a real head start. It’s really a good deal!
And for parents who want to learn more about the Young Eagles benefits, here’s a link that explains how it works and what to do. https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/free-ye-flights/sportys-learn-to-fly-course-step-4-of-eaa-flight-plan