What Is the EAA Young Eagles Program?
Young Eagles is a national program run by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). The goal is simple: get kids interested in aviation by giving them a real flight in a real airplane. Since the program started in 1992, EAA volunteer pilots have flown over 2.3 million young people.
Here is how it works. Local EAA chapters organize fly-in events at community airports. Volunteer pilots — private aircraft owners — show up with their airplanes. Kids and their parents arrive, sign up, and wait for their turn. A volunteer pilot takes a small group (usually around 3 kids at a time) up in the airplane for a short flight. The pilot does a takeoff, flies around the airport pattern or local area, and comes back for a landing. The entire experience takes about 15 to 20 minutes in the air.
Every flight is completely free. The pilots volunteer their time, fuel, and aircraft. There is no catch, no sales pitch, and no cost to families. The only goal is to spark an interest in aviation.
How Old Does Your Child Need to Be?
Children must be between 8 and 17 years old to participate in EAA Young Eagles flights. A parent or legal guardian must be present at the event and sign a consent form before the flight. There is no minimum height or weight requirement — if your child fits safely in the airplane seat with the seatbelt fastened, they can fly.
Kids do not need any prior knowledge of aviation. Many children who show up to their first Young Eagles event have never been near a small airplane before. That is exactly the point. The program is designed for first-timers who are curious about flight. Volunteers and pilots are friendly and used to working with nervous or excited kids.
If your child is younger than 8, you can still bring them to the event to watch. Most chapters welcome families. They just cannot go up in the airplane until they meet the age requirement. For kids who are too young but already interested, consider a simulator lesson designed for young aviators — our programs start at age 7 and do not require leaving the ground.
Where Do Young Eagles Flights Happen Near NYC?
The most active Young Eagles location near New York City is Lincoln Park Airport (N07) in Lincoln Park, New Jersey. EAA Chapter 501 hosts regular Young Eagles events there throughout the spring and summer flying season. Lincoln Park is about an hour west of Midtown Manhattan and is one of the friendliest small airports in the region for families.
Beyond Lincoln Park, there are EAA chapters on Long Island and in the Westchester County area that also host Young Eagles events. Event schedules vary by chapter and season, so the best way to find upcoming flights is to check the EAA Young Eagles event finder on the EAA website. You can search by zip code to find the closest events to your location.
Most events happen on weekend mornings between April and October, when the weather is best for flying small aircraft. Events are weather-dependent — if the forecast is bad, the chapter will usually reschedule to the next available date. Check the chapter's website or social media page the morning of the event for any updates.
Want to learn more about the local chapter that runs these events? Read our full guide to EAA Chapter 501 at Lincoln Park Airport.
How Do You Sign Up for a Free Flight?
Registration is handled through the EAA website. You create a free account for your child, find a local Young Eagles event, and register for a spot. Some chapters also accept walk-ins on the day of the event, but registering in advance guarantees your child a flight and saves time on paperwork.
Here is what to do step by step:
- Create a free EAA account for your child at eaa.org/youth.
- Search for events by zip code. Look for Young Eagles Rally events near your area.
- Register for an event. Pick a date and sign up. You will receive a confirmation email.
- Show up on event day with your child and a photo ID. Arrive early — flights typically start at 9 or 10 AM and run until early afternoon.
- Sign the consent form at the event. A parent or guardian must be present to sign.
What Happens During a Young Eagles Flight?
On the day of the event, your child will meet their volunteer pilot. The pilot walks the kids through a brief preflight inspection of the airplane, explaining what the different parts do and how the pilot checks that everything is safe before flying. This is one of the most educational parts of the experience — kids get to see and touch a real airplane up close.
Then the kids climb in, buckle up, and the pilot starts the engine. The pilot taxis to the runway, does a takeoff, and flies a short route — usually a lap or two around the airport traffic pattern, or a brief scenic flight over the local area. The entire time in the air is about 15 to 20 minutes. The pilot talks to the kids during the flight, pointing out landmarks and explaining what they are doing with the controls.
After landing, each child receives a Young Eagles certificate and a logbook entry signed by the pilot. Many chapters also take photos that they share with families afterward. The whole experience — from arrival to departure — typically takes about 1 to 2 hours including wait time.
The airplane is a small general aviation aircraft — typically a 4-seat Cessna, Piper, or similar. These are the same types of planes used for flight training at airports around the country. They are well-maintained and flown by experienced pilots who have passed background checks and meet EAA safety requirements.
Can Your Child Get Free Flight Training After?
Yes — and this is one of the best-kept secrets of the Young Eagles program. After completing a Young Eagles flight, your child can access the Sporty's Learn to Fly online course for free. This course normally costs $250 and is one of the most popular private pilot ground school programs in the country.
The free Sporty's course is part of the EAA Flight Plan, a step-by-step program designed to take a Young Eagle from their first flight all the way to becoming a pilot. The Flight Plan includes the free ground school course, scholarship opportunities, and connections to flight training resources. It is entirely self-paced and your child can start whenever they want.
This is a significant benefit. A $250 ground school course covers everything from how airplanes fly to weather, navigation, and FAA regulations. Even if your child does not pursue a pilot license right away, the knowledge they gain is valuable and engaging. For kids who are serious about aviation, it gives them a huge head start before they are old enough to start formal flight training at age 16 (for a private pilot license) or age 14 (for a student pilot certificate).
Try a Simulator Lesson
While your child waits for the next Young Eagles event, they can fly a real cockpit simulator with a professional instructor. Our Young Aviators program is designed for kids ages 7 and up.
What Else Can Your Child Do After Young Eagles?
A Young Eagles flight is often the spark, but there are many ways to keep the momentum going. Here are the best next steps for kids in the NYC area who want to stay involved in aviation:
- Simulator lessons: Our Young Aviators program gives kids hands-on experience flying a professional cockpit simulator with an instructor. It is the closest thing to real flight training for kids who are not yet old enough for a student pilot certificate.
- Civil Air Patrol: The CAP Cadet Program is a structured youth program for ages 12 to 18. Cadets learn about aviation, leadership, and aerospace education. Cadets also have access to flight training scholarships through CAP.
- Aviation museums: The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in Manhattan, the Cradle of Aviation on Long Island, and the New England Air Museum in Connecticut are all excellent for keeping kids engaged with aviation between events. See our guide to the best aviation museums near NYC.
- Aviation gifts: Books, model airplanes, flight simulation software, and aviation headsets make great gifts for kids who catch the flying bug. See our best aviation gifts guide.
- Free ground school: Do not forget the free Sporty's course mentioned above. Even kids who are years away from flying solo can start learning the theory now.
The key is to keep aviation present in your child's life between experiences. Kids who maintain a consistent interest are much more likely to follow through with flight training when they reach the minimum age.
What Is EAA Chapter 501?
EAA Chapter 501 is the local Experimental Aircraft Association chapter based at Lincoln Park Airport (N07) in Lincoln Park, New Jersey. This chapter is the most active Young Eagles host in the greater NYC area. They organize multiple Young Eagles events each year, plus fly-ins, pancake breakfasts, and other community aviation events that are open to families.
If you are looking for Young Eagles flights near New York City, Chapter 501 is your best starting point. We wrote a detailed guide about their programs, meeting schedule, and how to get involved. Read the full article: EAA Chapter 501 at Lincoln Park Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old does my child need to be for Young Eagles?
Children must be between 8 and 17 years old. A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign a consent form. There is no minimum height or weight requirement beyond safely fitting in the airplane seat with a seatbelt.
Are Young Eagles flights really free?
Yes, 100% free. Volunteer pilots donate their airplane, fuel, and time. There is no cost to families, no hidden fees, and no obligation. The EAA has been offering these free flights since 1992.
How do I find Young Eagles events near NYC?
Visit the EAA Young Eagles page and search for events by zip code. The most active location near NYC is Lincoln Park Airport (N07) in New Jersey, run by EAA Chapter 501. There are also chapters on Long Island and in Westchester.
Is Young Eagles safe?
Yes. All volunteer pilots must meet EAA safety requirements, hold a valid pilot certificate, pass a background check, and carry adequate insurance. The aircraft are privately owned and maintained to FAA standards. EAA has safely flown over 2.3 million young people since 1992.
Can my child get free flight training after Young Eagles?
Yes. After completing a Young Eagles flight, your child can access the Sporty's Learn to Fly course for free (normally $250). This is part of the EAA Flight Plan program, which guides young people from their first flight toward becoming a pilot.