EAA, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Young Eagles program continues to draw strong participation, with more than 50,000 young people taking part in introductory flights between October 2024 and October 2025. During that same period, 4,250 volunteer pilots contributed their time to the program, including 970 pilots who flew a Young Eagle for the first time. “Our network of Young Eagles pilots, ground volunteers, and chapter coordinators who volunteer their time to share the magic of flight truly is the backbone of the program,” said David Leiting, EAA Eagles Program Manager. “We are always looking to expand and strengthen this network as we approach the milestone of 2.5 million Young Eagles flights in 2026.”
Since the program began in 1992, more than 2.4 million young people have received free introductory flights through the efforts of volunteer EAA-member pilots. In October 2025, EAA launched the Mission 2.5 campaign, which aims to reach 2.5 million total Young Eagles flights by the time EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 takes place. As part of the campaign, pilots who “Fly 25 for 2.5” before July 31, 2026, will receive a limited-edition cap as an achievement. As of December 1, 2025, three pilots had already reached that mark. Participation in the program has also led many Young Eagles to continue exploring aviation. Between October 2024 and October 2025, 465 participants passed FAA written exams, while another 200 earned free flight lesson vouchers after completing the first three sections of the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course. For more information on EAA and the program, visit: EAA.org/YoungEagles.
