On Saturday, May 21, nearly 200 events will turn dreams of flight into reality for tens of thousands of people during the second annual International Learn to Fly Day, an aviation community-wide effort helping people of all ages take that first step to discover the fun and freedom of flight.
Find a local International Learn to Fly Day event near you at LearnToFly.org. Events are being held throughout the United States, plus in Canada, Ireland, Iceland, and Brazil.
Local EAA chapters and aviation organizations are leading the way by offering complementary adult orientation flights on May 21, helping connect aviators with those who have always wanted to discover flight.
These introductory flights for adults are similar to EAA’s popular Young Eagles program, which has offered free flights to more than 1.6 million young people since 1992. EAA also encourages other aviation organizations and businesses to join in the effort by offering introductory flights, seminars, and open houses at airports and other locations throughout the United States and internationally.
“As we grow the next generation of aviators, International Learn to Fly Day is one day where we can make a special effort to invite and welcome those who have always dreamed of flying,” said Rod Hightower, EAA president/CEO. “If you’ve always wanted to discover what it is like to sit right seat in an aircraft, seek out an International Learn to Fly Day event in your area. If you are a pilot, share your passion with a friend and take them up for a ride so they can experience the joy, fulfillment and sense of accomplishment of flying an aircraft.”
The inaugural International Learn to Fly Day in 2010 drew more than 40,000 people to events. Additionally, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution in 2010 declaring the third Saturday in May as International Learn to Fly Day, recognizing the contributions of flight instructors, flight schools, aviation groups, and industry in promoting and teaching the nation’s next generation of pilots.
