EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — The Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program, which over three decades has become the largest youth aviation education program ever created, is focusing its efforts on reaching 2.5 million Young Eagles flown by EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in July 2026 with the new “Mission 2.5” campaign.
“From those first Young Eagle flights at Oshkosh in July 1992 to today, more than 50,000 EAA member pilots have shared their time, aircraft, and knowledge to open the world of flight to young people,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “We now see its effect in developing two generations of pilots. We are now calling upon EAA members to reach the next big milestone of 2.5 million Young Eagles flown in the next 10 months and to celebrate this achievement with us at Oshkosh next July.”
As of Sept. 24, 2025, there have been 2,453,776 Young Eagles flown in aircraft ranging from hot air balloons to corporate jets on every continent except Antarctica, according to EAA officials.
The success of the Young Eagles program is also the foundation of EAA’s expanding youth aviation education resources, which now include AeroEducate, Sporty’s Learn-To-Fly course and Young Eagles Connect, the EAA Air Academy, and chapter-based Ray Aviation Scholarships.
“As I visit Young Eagles rallies, the volunteer leaders often tell me the same thing — there are plenty of eager kids ready to go flying, but more pilots are needed and always welcome,” said Jimmy Graham, Young Eagles chairman and retired NFL All-Pro tight end. “We aviators all have had that one flight that sparked our love of aviation, so it’s time to get involved and sign up to fly Young Eagles. You can make a difference. Who knows where that young person could go because of your willingness to take them flying?”
EAA is offering recognition for Young Eagles pilots who join the “25 for 2.5” campaign to reach 2.5 million Young Eagles in the coming months.
In addition, participating EAA chapters that assist in new volunteer pilot recruitment will be eligible for extra Young Eagles credits that can be used to obtain further resources for Young Eagles rallies or cover tuition fees of deserving youth for the EAA Air Academy residence camp held each summer in Oshkosh.
For more information: EAA.org/Fly25YE
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