VERO BEACH — Young aviation fans in Vero Beach have a chance to take to the skies for free this weekend, as the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association gears up for its latest Young Eagles event.
The gathering, hosted by the Sun Jet Center at Vero Beach Airport, is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13, from 8 a.m. to noon. The center is located at 3350 Cherokee Drive. Organizers say about 50 children have registered so far for introductory flights, with room for more as additional pilots volunteer.
The Experimental Aircraft Association, based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, operates chapters across the country, including Chapter 99 in Vero Beach. The Young Eagles program, a key initiative, aims to introduce children ages 8 to 17 to aviation through complimentary flights lasting about 20 minutes each, piloted by licensed volunteers.
Participants receive a certificate detailing their flight, including the date, aircraft type, and pilot’s signature, along with a logbook to record the experience. Those interested can also try a flight simulator session at no cost, supervised by chapter members.
For youngsters eager to pursue aviation further, Chapter 99 offers a youth program with more than 50 enrollees, including 11 working toward private pilot licenses. Young Eagles participants qualify for free national EAA membership, which provides access to online training courses from Sporty’s Pilot Shop.
Local chapter membership is also free for youth, opening doors to community support and EAA scholarships for careers in piloting, mechanics, or other aviation fields.
Young Eagles Program
Launched in 1992, the Young Eagles program has provided introductory flights to nearly 2.5 million young people nationwide, relying on volunteer pilots to foster interest in aviation.
Parents or guardians can register children online through the EAA website or by contacting Chapter 99. Volunteers, including pilots and ground support, are encouraged to get involved by reaching out to the chapter.
For more information about the Young Eagles Program, call Don Wheeler at (772) 277-0361, email dadcrew96@gmail.com, or visit here.