More than 100,000 Young Eagles take the next step in aviation

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — More than 100,000 Young Eagles have now had the opportunity to take the next step in aviation, thanks to Sporty’s Pilot Shop Learn to Fly Course.

The online course is free to all of the nearly 2.3 million EAA Young Eagles as a follow-up to their initial introductory flight by volunteer pilots. The course is an online ground school, test prep, and flight training companion that provides all the knowledge and concepts to pass the FAA Private Pilot written test, oral exam, and check ride.

As Young Eagles progress through the course, they earn a voucher for a free flight lesson and reimbursement for the cost of their FAA knowledge exam.

“Having more than 100,000 young people engage in aviation through the Sporty’s Learn to Fly course is a milestone that will lead to results that we will be able to see for years to come,” said David Leiting, EAA’s Young Eagles Program Manager.

The concept to provide Sporty’s online courses at no charge for Young Eagles was developed with input from EAA pilots who had been flying Young Eagles. Those pilots reported that after their flight, many of the young people wanted to discover more about aviation but lacked access to reliable and professional resources. The goal is to build the next generation of aviators and boost student pilot starts with a group already engaged through the Young Eagles program, EAA officials explained.

“It’s gratifying and humbling to know more than 100,000 young people have connected with our Learn to Fly course to take their next steps in aviation,” said Michael Wolf, CEO of Sporty’s and a volunteer Young Eagles pilot. “There’s no better feeling for us than hearing of EAA Young Eagles who are now pilots themselves and who were assisted to achieve their personal goals by using our learning resources. It’s an investment we’re happy to make to support a new generation of aviators.”

Learn more at Sportys.com/NextStep