Since its launch in 1992, the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program has introduced millions of young people to the joy of flight. As 2026 begins, the program is closing in on its next major milestone — flying 2.5 million young people — and organizers are calling on volunteers across the aviation community to help reach that goal ahead of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026.
Over the 12-month period from October 2024 through October 2025, more than 50,000 young people received free introductory flights thanks to the efforts of 4,250 volunteer EAA-member pilots. Nearly 1,000 of those pilots participated in Young Eagles operations for the first time, demonstrating strong ongoing engagement with the program’s mission.
Since the program’s inception, more than 2.4 million young people have taken flight through Young Eagles, making it the largest and longest-running youth aviation education initiative in history. To commemorate the push toward 2.5 million total flights, EAA launched Mission 2.5 in October 2025.
Mission 2.5 — A Rallying Call to Volunteers
Mission 2.5 invites volunteer pilots and chapter coordinators to help close the remaining gap to the 2.5 million mark. As part of the campaign:
- Pilots who complete 25 Young Eagles flights between October 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026 will receive a limited-edition commemorative cap recognizing their contribution.
- Chapters that recruit first-time Young Eagles volunteer pilots receive credits that can be applied toward resources for future rallies or even tuition support for the EAA Air Academy summer camp.
EAA’s Young Eagles staff emphasize that every introductory flight helps sow the seeds of aviation interest — whether through curiosity about flying careers or further pursuit of pilot training. Mission 2.5 also highlights the power of community participation: flight experiences extend far beyond that first climb into the sky, encouraging many participants to continue their aviation journey.
Impact Beyond the Flight
The Young Eagles program doesn’t just give kids a ride in an airplane — it provides education and pathways into deeper involvement with aviation. Between October 2024 and October 2025:
- 465 Young Eagles passed FAA written exams, a key step toward pilot certification.
- 200 earned flight lesson vouchers after completing the first three volumes of the Sporty’s Learn to Fly course.
Initiatives like Young Eagles Connect, AeroEducate, and scholarship opportunities further complement the hands-on flight experience, offering structured learning and encouragement for those who discover a passion for aviation after their first flight.
Looking Toward AirVenture 2026
With EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 on the horizon, all eyes are on bringing the Young Eagles program to — and past — the 2.5 million flights milestone. The annual fly-in convention, scheduled for July 20–26 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, provides a fitting backdrop for celebration and reflection on the program’s impact on generations of aspiring aviators.
The Young Eagles program’s momentum reflects not only the dedication of volunteer pilots and EAA chapters nationwide but also an enduring belief that early flight experiences can ignite lifelong dreams of flight. With continued participation and enthusiasm, EAA expects to reach this landmark achievement and inspire many more young people to take to the skies.
