Youth take flight
Examiner photo by Matthew Ybarra Reagan returns from his first flight as part of the EAA Young Eagles program. The program teaches youth about aviation and is offered for free.
A program that launched in 1992 is elevating youth to new heights. Friday, Jan. 31, a pair of local youth took to the air the journey of a lifetime.
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles program gives youth ages 8-17 the opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. The pilots participating in the program are volunteers who are members of EAA.
Since its first liftoff in 1992, more than 2.2 million children have logged flights in the program. Reagan Kirby, a 12-year old from Todd Mission, said he first learned about the EAA Young Eagles program when his Boy Scout troop visited the Navasota Municipal Airport. “I’ve flown on a commercial plane, but this is my first time flying in a small plane,” said Reagan.
Although Reagan is undecided as to what journey he would like to take in the future, this program aims to give youth an opportunity to explore a career in aviation. Michael Dearing, a pilot from Montgomery, said, “this is my first flight as part of the EAA Young Eagles program, but I’ve taken kids and other people up for their first flight before and it’s always a really great experience. Everyone always enjoys it and it’s cool to be able to share that with people.”
Dearing said he wants the flight to be a learning experience. “I’d like them to get a familiarization and better understanding of how general aviation works and what kind of career opportunities there are for pilots.” He said aviation is more accessible than people realize.
Upon completion of the first flight, EAA Young Eagles volunteer pilots provide the student with a logbook that has a free membership code for the EAA Student Membership program. The membership includes free access to the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, free admission to over 300 science and technology museums, Academy of Model Aeronautics Student Membership, free electronic copy of EAA Sport Aviation, free first flight lesson after completion of the Sporty’s learn to Fly Course, access to valuable flight training awards, education scholarships, Air Academy camperships and more.
Aside from being a free program offered to youth, Dearing said there are other opportunities as well that have scholarship opportunities for students wanting to pursue a career in aviation.
“I think he should become a pilot,” said Reagan’s mom Vikki. “I’m more excited than he is. When he had the chance to do this, I was very excited for him. I think it’s wonderful that they spend time with the youngsters and let them see and get excited about it.”
Before takeoff, Dearing showed Reagan how to carefully go through the plane inspection procedures. Once everything checked out and the two were strapped safely in their seats and radio headsets were on, the incredible experience began. Reagan said they took flight over the Brazos and Navasota Rivers and soared over popular landmarks such as Lone Wolf Ranch and C-Force Water company.
Reagan added the experience was fun and surprisingly less bumpy than he anticipated being in such a small plane, a Piper 4-seater. He recommends this experience to any youth that might have an interest in learning more about aviation.
Reagan’s younger sister Rosalynn, age 9, unexpectedly was able to receive her first EAA Young Eagles’ flight as well when Dearing agreed to take her on the experience after Reagan’s flight.
To schedule your EAA Young Eagles flight, visit YoungEagles.org.