Actor Takes The Program's Reins
Harrison Ford, best known as a renowned actor in more than three
dozen films but also an extremely active pilot and member of the
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), was introduced Monday as
the new Chairman of the EAA Young Eagles Program, which has flown
more than 1 million young people since 1992. During a welcoming
program with EAA President Tom Poberezny, Ford accepted the
chairmanship of the program, saying, "It's daunting to step into
General Yeager's shoes, but aviation is about learning new skills
and the satisfaction that comes with practicing them and doing
better."
Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager, who has served as Young Eagles Chairman
since 1994, has been named the program's Chairman Emeritus and will
continue to participate as one of more than 35,000 volunteer pilots
who have been involved since Young Eagles was founded.
"Harrison Ford's passion for flight has grown through the years,
as he has achieved several pilot certificates and ratings, and made
aviation a major part of his life," Poberezny said. "He
discovered Young Eagles on his own several years ago and quietly
started flying young people. He now has flown 81 Young Eagles. He
is a natural fit to help lead us to even greater achievements as
EAA members prepare the next generation of aviators."
The Young Eagles Program's original goal of flying 1 million
young people ages 8-17 was reached in October 2003, when
15-year-old Andrew Grant of German Valley, Ill., was flown by EAA
member Rick Ellis. The one-to-one outreach between pilot and
youngster was part of what attracted Ford to the program.
"Young Eagles gives
kids a view of the world they've never seen before," Ford
said. "Each Young Eagle flight is an opportunity to excite
kids by sharing your passion for flight and to show them that they,
too, can learn the skills to participate in aviation."
Ford actually began flight training as a college student in the
1960s, but then put his training on hold until he rediscovered it
in the early 1990s. He has since earned ratings in rotorcraft
and tailwheel aircraft. He has been an EAA member since the
mid-1990s and a member of a local EAA Chapter near his home.
The new Chairman is the third in the history of the Young Eagles
Program. Academy Award-winning actor Cliff Robertson served
as Chairman from the program's founding in July 1992 through 1994,
with Gen. Yeager serving 1995-2003. Under these two Chairmen, EAA's
Young Eagles has grown into the largest youth aviation education
program ever created. Since those first flights in 1992,
Young Eagles flights have taken place on every continent except
Antarctica and in aircraft ranging from business jets to
blimps.
The EAA President also announced new offerings as follow-ups to
initial Young Eagles flights, including expanded web site
activities and recognition levels for young people interested in
aviation. Those specific activities will be announced as they are
unveiled.