The Young Aviators (known by the EAA as Young Eagles) concept was introduced by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in America in 1992 with the aim of providing young people with a motivational aviation experience in the form of an air experience flight in a light aircraft. The PFA agreed to support the Young Aviators programme and promote its ideals in the UK.
With the help of the PFA, the EAA were successful in their goal of flying 1 million young people by the centennial anniversary of flight in December 2003. The names of the young people and pilots who have flown in the Young Aviators programme have been entered into 'the worlds largest log book'. This can be viewed at the EAA's Web site (http://www.eaa.org).
Young Aviators – the Future in the UK
Due to the success of the scheme with the Struts, the PFA are continuing to run a national Young Aviators programme with the objective of introducing as many young people as possible to the experience of flying in a light aircraft. This will help to promote:
a more positive and open-minded view of light aviation
the appeal of sport aviation at local level to the next generation of pilots
Quote from Stewart Luck of the PFA Education Department:
“Unless we take responsibility for promoting Youth Education and in particular the Young Aviator project and all it stands for, we will see the downfall of our organisation and others that we associate with. Working together as one big team and having a positive “can Do” attitude we have already shown we can make the difference to the lives we touch. Your decision to hold a Young Aviators day makes the difference between success and failure. Thank You for your commitment.”
A youngster introduced to the experience of flight could well be the person who will go on to add to these achievements. In the future our aviation legacy may be the direct result of your Young Aviators programme!
If you wish to take part in a Young Aviator Day please contact your nearest Strut for details or contact the PFA Education Department