Category Archives: Young Eagles

Flying Start & Eagle Flights – 2023

Want to learn how to fly but do not know where to start?  Are you serious about learning how to fly? If so, consider participating in EAA’s LEARN TO FLY WEEK online programs (live May 15 – 19, 2023) and/or register for a Flying Start event (online registration required).

Upcoming Event:  May 13, 2023

Download the flyer for registration info

This half day program is designed to help you explore  various flight training goals and pathways.  It will introduce you to other pilots, students, instructors, and flight training options.  We will discuss various opportunities you may have after completing flight training.  Not just for airplanes but also for Light Sport (LSA), rotor wing, gliders, and Trikes.

For more information from EAA, check out “Flying Start” and “Eagle Flights“, or download the .PDF file on the right.

EAA 179 presents these programs when we have received interest from enough participants to schedule an event.  If you are interested in attending an EAA 179 Flying Start event, please send your inquiry via eMail to chapter@eaa179.org and we will contact you with dates and location for when you are invited to “Come Fly with Us!’’

Providing a “kick start” for learning to fly

Christen Eagle

EAA 179’s Flying Start – an introduction to flight! Photo by Larry Bell

Giving Adults who want to learn to fly, a Flying Start! Photo by Larry Bell

For more information on EAA’s Eagle Flight program, see:  EAA Eagle Flight experience for adults who want to learn to fly.

EAA 179 Young Eagles Flights

2024 Young Eagles Schedule
Feb 3, Mar 2, Apr 6, May 4, Sep 7, Oct 19, Nov 9

Open to the public, area young people ages 8-17 are offered a chance to take to the skies with volunteer pilots of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).  Albuquerque Chapter 179 hosts Young Eagles Flight rallies throughout the year at Double Eagle II Airport and supports similar events at other area airports.

The EAA Young Eagles Program was created to interest young people in aviation.   Since the program launched 31 years ago (1992), volunteer EAA pilots have flown over 2.3 million young people.  Actor and pilot, Harrison Ford, flew the 2 millionth Young Eagle in Oshkosh, WI in July 2016.  EAA 179 volunteers also participate with neighboring chapters who host rallies at Belen, Los Alamos, Los Lunas, Santa Fe, Taos, Deming, Lordsburg, and Truth or Consequences.

“Free airplane rides are a starter to learn more about aviation,” says Barry Kromer, former EAA 179 Young Eagles Coordinator. “I love to see those big smiles as they get out of the airplane.”

Following the flight, each participant receives a certificate making them an official Young Eagle with access to further learning opportunities.  Their name is subsequently entered into the “World’s Largest Logbook,” which is online at www.youngeagles.org.

Pre-registration for EAA 179’s YE flights opens about 2-3 weeks prior to each event.
Watch our Facebook space for updates. 

  • To pre-register, go to youngeaglesday.org.
  • Priority is given to those pre-registered, and especially first-time flyers.
  • Walk-ins registered first come-first served and flown if/when openings become available.
  • Flights are subject to weather and pilot availability. Should conditions prevent flights on the scheduled date, the event may be rescheduled. Check Facebook or this page the evening before.
  • Signed parental permission is required on site. See INFORMATION FOR PARENTS on this national program, supported by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).

Other chapters around the state may also host Young Eagles Rallies.

Los Lunas – Chapter 530

Events hosted by Los Lunas Chapter 530, supported by EAA 179 volunteers.
March 23, May 18, July 13, September 14 – Mid Valley Airpark (E98), Los Lunas, NM

Los Alamos – Green Chile Chapter 691

Young Eagles/Cookout hosted by Los Alamos/Santa Fe Chapter 691.
September 21 – Ohkay Owingeh (E14), Española, NM
October 19 – Los Alamos Airport (KLAM), Los Alamos, NM

Edgewood – Chapter 1306

Events hosted by Edgewood  Chapter 1306.
Dates TBD

Las Cruces – Chapter 555

Events hosted by Las Cruces Chapter 555.
Dates TBD

QUESTIONS?  Contact Albuquerque EAA 179’s Young Eagles Coordinator, Michael Tolle by email at youngeagles (at) eaa179.org

Check EAA179’s Facebook page for last minute (weather) updates.
Read more about EAA’s National Young Eagles Program.