Young Eagles: free airplane rides for kids

Young Eagles is EAA’s program for giving kids ages 8 to 17 their first ride in an airplane, completely free. EAA started it in 1992, and volunteer pilots have since flown more than 2.5 million young people. Our chapter pilots are part of that.

A flight lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. Before takeoff, the pilot walks your child around the airplane and explains how it works. In the air, they may even get to take the controls. Afterward there’s time for questions. A parent or guardian signs the permission form before the flight.

The fun doesn’t stop when the wheels touch down. After the flight, each Young Eagle can activate a free EAA student membership and enroll in Sporty’s Learn to Fly online course through EAA’s Young Eagles Flight Plan, a great first step toward becoming a pilot.

We hold Young Eagles Rallies at Fairchild Airport in Port Angeles a few times a year. Check the Events calendar for the next one.

Our 2026 Young Eagles flights are done. The 2027 schedule hasn't been set yet; check back soon.

For kids and parents

Any young person ages 8 to 17 can fly. There’s no cost, and no experience needed. Just bring your curiosity.

How it works:

Register online when our next rally opens. Watch this page and our Events calendar for dates.
On the day of the flight, a parent or legal guardian signs the permission form.
Your pilot shows your child the airplane, then takes them up for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Afterward, your child gets an official Young Eagles logbook with a code to start the free Young Eagles Flight Plan benefits.

Good to know:

Flights are only flown in good daytime weather. If the weather turns, we may have to reschedule.
Parents are welcome to watch from the ground.
Every pilot and ground leader has completed EAA’s Youth Protection training and a background check.
Dress for the weather. Hangars and ramps can be cool and breezy.

Questions? Email our Young Eagles coordinator at youngeagles@eaa430.org.

Volunteers and ground crew

You don’t have to be a pilot to help. Every rally needs friendly people on the ground to greet families, help with paperwork, walk kids safely to and from the airplanes, and keep the ramp safe.

Ground volunteers should also complete EAA’s Youth Protection training. At every rally, at least two trained and background-checked adults supervise on the ground.

Ground crew register on YEDAY.org to sign up for our events. If you’d like to help, email youngeagles@eaa430.org and we’ll get you started.

For pilots

Flying Young Eagles is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your certificate. Sport pilots are welcome too.

EAA’s pilot requirements (EAA, Become a Volunteer Pilot, viewed October 2026):

Be a current EAA member with a sport pilot certificate or higher.
Hold a current medical certificate, if one applies to you.
Be current to carry passengers in the aircraft you plan to use, and have a current flight review.
Complete EAA’s Youth Protection online training and background check. This is required for all Young Eagles pilots. Learn more at EAA Youth Protection.
Fly an airworthy aircraft with passenger liability insurance of at least $100,000 per seat.
Complete the Young Eagles registration form before each flight, signed by you and a parent or legal guardian.
Follow all FAA regulations.

On the flight: Young Eagles flights are day VFR only. No aerobatics, unusual attitudes, or formation flying. Shut down between flights (no hot loading). Take off and land at the same airport with no stops, and fly no more than three Young Eagles at a time. Pilots pay their own aircraft costs; EAA rules don’t allow fuel or rental to be reimbursed.

To sign up for our rallies, pilots and ground crew must register on YEDAY.org.

Follow our Young Eagles news on Facebook.

Questions about this page? Email youngeagles@eaa430.org.