Three times a year, the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA Chapter #11) invites local organizations to participate in Young Eagles Day by registering interested youth ages 8-17 years old for a first flight in a small airplane. Kids are taken on a 20-minute flight to allow them to see their local area from a different perspective.
Organizers said that over the last 25 years, one of the group's missions as a non-profit organization has been to encourage local youth to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by introducing them to flight on Young Eagles Day.
Local pilots gave flights to 58 local kids on April 18 at the Santa Monica Airport and over the past 25 years, EAA chapters around the world have given more than 1.9 million rides to kids on Young Eagles Days.
Participants come from local scout troops, schools and other youth organizations. Many teachers and youth leaders use the exciting promise of a first flight to introduce educational material about aviation and how it requires the practical application of engineering, math and science skills. The combination of ground based lessons and a first flight often ignites the imaginations of the young participants. Many have gone on to careers in science and aviation.
The Santa Monica chapter of the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA) was founded in 1990 and is part of a worldwide community of passionate aviation enthusiasts that promotes and supports recreational flying. Our vision: a vibrant and growing aviation community. Our mission: to grow participation in aviation by promoting the Spirit of Aviation.