EAA Young Eagles And Sporty's Pilot Shop Offer Free
Training
Sixteen-year-old Tyler Whitney of Fenwick, MI probably never
looked at himself as an aviation pioneer. He became one, though, as
the first EAA Young Eagle to pass his FAA Private Pilot written
test through the Sporty's Online Pilot Training Course now offered
free to all Young Eagles.
Tyler Whitney Photo Courtesy
EAA
The opportunity was announced last April by EAA and Sporty's
Pilot Shop of Batavia, Ohio, one of the world's leading pilot and
aviation suppliers. Through this partnership, young people who
receive an inspirational and educational introduction to personal
flight via the EAA Young Eagles Program will also receive from
Sporty's the tools they'll need to take the next steps in pursuing
their interest in aviation.
Upon completion of a flight with a Young Eagles volunteer pilot
- often the youth's first time aboard a general aviation aircraft -
the youth will receive a logbook for recording this and subsequent
aviation experiences. The Young Eagle receives an access code to
the Sporty's Online Complete Pilot Training Course. Both the
logbook and the flight training course are free of charge to Young
Eagles.
"EAA and Sporty's made this program
possible so the excitement of flight that comes from a Young Eagles
flight doesn't stop there," said Brian O'Lena, EAA's youth programs
manager. "We appreciate Sporty's commitment to opening the door to
more young people to participate in aviation and discover
opportunities and accomplishments for their own lives."
Neither of Whitney's parents have aviation background, but after
Whitney took his Young Eagles flight in June 2008 with pilot Robert
Allers of Greenville, MI. (EAA #857229), he wanted to explore
flight training. The Sporty's Online Pilot Training Course allowed
Whitney to work toward his goal at no additional cost.
"After my Young Eagles flight I knew I had to fly. It's what I
want to do," Whitney said. "Thank you for all that EAA is doing...I
appreciate it a lot."
After about 35 hours of flight training with instructor Jeff
Ostrander (EAA #866844), Whitney's next goal is to earn his Private
Pilot Certificate on his 17th birthday - the earliest date he could
take his flight test.
"We know Tyler will be only the first of many, many young people
who have the opportunity to discover and explore the world of
flight through the Young Eagles program and the support Sporty's
has provided for aviation future," O'Lena said. "There are
more 'next step' programs coming for Young Eagles that will make
the experience more than simply an initial airplane ride."