Will Offer Free EAA Student Memberships

EAA Young Eagles will soon be able to stay connected to the aviation world and enjoy a variety of benefits at no cost through the EAA Student Membership supported by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Scheduled to be available in late October 2010, the EAA Student Membership is supported by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is available free of charge to all Young Eagles. It is valid until the individual's 19th birthday. The EAA Student Membership is the next element of a "Flight Plan" assisting interested EAA Young Eagles in earning a pilot certificate.

"Thanks to Embry-Riddle's support, the EAA Student Membership will provide Young Eagles with the tools and information to help their aviation pursuits flourish," said Brian O'Lena, EAA youth programs manager. "Future aviators will discover first-hand how valuable an EAA membership is as they turn their dreams into reality."

The membership includes the online edition of Sport Aviation magazine, e-newsletter subscriptions covering a variety of aviation interests, EAA member discounts to AirVenture as well as SportAir Workshops, unlimited free admission to EAA AirVenture Museum, and access to a members-only website that features more than 50 years of aviation information, plus much more.

Current Young Eagles will be notified when registration for the EAA Student Membership is open.

"Embry-Riddle is gladly lending its support to the EAA Student Membership for Young Eagles," said Dan Montplaisir, Embry-Riddle vice president of institutional advancement. "EAA has assembled an impressive package of benefits for the Young Eagles that will speed them along in acquiring aviation skills and earning a pilot certificate. Over the years Embry-Riddle has proudly partnered with EAA on various programs that make it easier for young people to explore the world of aviation, whether they're interested in flying as a pastime or want to go even further, to pursue higher education in aviation, such as Embry-Riddle offers, and become a professional pilot."

Since 1992, EAA members have provided more than 1.5 million Young Eagles ages 8-17 with an introductory flight experience in a general aviation aircraft. During the past 18 months, EAA, with generous support from individuals and the aviation industry, has begun building a "Flight Plan" to assist interested Young Eagles in earning a pilot certificate.

"Through the Flight Plan, we are building the next generation of aviation by working to eliminate barriers that may stand between a Young Eagle and the cockpit," O'Lena said. "A young person can take that initial spark of curiosity from the Young Eagles program and pursue a direct path toward their own aviation participation."

Last year, EAA and Sporty's Pilot Shop began a partnership that gives Young Eagles free access to Sporty's Online Pilot Training Course upon completion of their first Young Eagles flight. In June 2010, the First Flight Lesson program was added to the Flight Plan. EAA continues to explore other opportunities for additions to the Flight Plan so more Young Eagles can pursue aviation.

FMI: www.erau.edu, www.eaa.org, www.youngeagles.org