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.