USA – The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has launched Young Eagles Connect, a new digital portal aimed at strengthening support for aspiring pilots who have participated in the Young Eagles program. The initiative is designed to extend engagement beyond the initial flight by pairing young participants with mentors who can guide them through their early flight training journey.

• Young Eagles Connect is available to youth who have completed a Young Eagles flight and are enrolled in the complimentary Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course.

• The portal facilitates mentorship by enabling students to share their training progress, including coursework and practice test results, with a designated mentor—typically their original Young Eagles pilot or a local EAA chapter member.

• If the mentor is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), they receive automatic access to the student’s course progress. Non-CFI mentors can request access via EAA channels.

• The platform is designed to maintain motivation, provide structured guidance, and support continuity from initial exposure to aviation through to potential flight certification.

• This program builds upon the long-running Young Eagles initiative, which has offered more than 2.5 million free introductory flights to youth aged 8–17 since its inception in 1992.

Statements

• “The goal of Young Eagles Connect is to have aspiring aviators stay connected, stay inspired, and stay on course,” said David Leiting, EAA Young Eagles program manager. “This connection is an added benefit to Young Eagles who look to discover more through EAA’s programs that are available to follow their initial Young Eagles flight.”

Source: EAA