It was a bright sunny day when Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 534 held its first Young Eagles Rally for 2026, introducing 18 young people to the magic of flight for the first time.
Around 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, the parking lot in front of the chapter’s hangar at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE) in Florida began to fill up with young people accompanied by parents, friends, and grandparents anticipating a great aviation adventure.
Nine volunteer pilots turned out to join the fun by taking these kids for their first flights. They brought their nine general aviation, single engine, fixed wing aircraft, to this aviation gala. They paid for the fuel, and enjoyed the delight and excitement displayed by their young crew members.
There is never any charge to participants for these Young Eagle flights.
Other chapter members were on hand to do the necessary paperwork and make sure everybody was safe on the ramp when the kids took off.
EAA Chapter 534 does this each month, except for the summer months. The purpose is to acquaint young people with the wonders and freedom of flight in small planes. This experience is open to any young person aged 8 to 17.
The hope is that this experience will kindle an interest in aviation and someday the Young Eagles will want to become private pilots themselves.
After their 15-to-20-minute flights it is interesting to see the smiles on these kids’ faces and the excitement they display to their parents when they return. If there were any fears or concerns they had prior to their flights, this has been replaced by a desire to do it again.
When they return to the hangar, the young flyers receive a commemorative certificate and an official log book signed by the pilot who took them up.
They also receive, at no charge, an online Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course which will teach them what they need to learn if they wish to become a private pilot. This course prepares them to take the FAA written test.
If you know of a youngster who has expressed in interest in aviation, EAA is the place to go to find out how to help them scratch that itch. There are EAA chapters across the nation taking kids up every week.
To find a chapter or Young Eagles event near you, go to EAA.org.
For more information: EAAChapter534.org
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