Category Archives: Young Eagles

Flying Start & Eagle Flights

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

Young Eagles Schedule – 2023 NEW!
Feb 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, Sept 9, Oct 14, and Nov 4
Note: Event for Oct 14 has been cancelled.

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 30 years ago (1992), volunteer EAA pilots have flown over 2 million young people.  Actor and pilot, Harrison Ford, flew the 2 millionth Young Eagle in Oshkosh, WI in July 2016.  EAA 179 volunteer also participate with neighboring chapters which sponsor rallies at Belen, Los Alamos, Los Lunas, Santa Fe, and Taos.

“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.

Preregistration 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. Registration begins about 2-3 weeks prior to the day of the event. If a time slot is filled, select another. (Please note: your choice of time slot will not be included in future reminders.)
  • Those pre-registered get first priority. Walk-ins registered first come-first served, fitted into the schedule if/when openings arise.
  • Preference will be given to first-time flyers.
  • The event and flights are subject to weather and pilot availability. Should conditions prevent flights on the scheduled date, the rally will be postponed to the following Saturday.
  • Signed parental permission is required, forms will be available at the event. See INFORMATION FOR PARENTS on this national program, supported by the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA).

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

Los Lunas – Chapter 530

Events hosted by Los Lunas Chapter 530, supported by EAA 179 volunteers.
Dates – Check back in coming weeks – Mid Valley Airpark (E98), Los Lunas, NM

Los Alamos – Green Chile Chapter 691

Events hosted by Los Alamos/Santa Fe Chapter 691.
Dates TBD – 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 Young Eagles Coordinator, Daniel Fuka 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.