Big Bear, Ca May 8, 2011 3:00 pm – The Young Eagles is an international program with the purpose of inspiring interest in flying. Members of the Big Bear Pilots Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association take children ages 8 through 17 on short flights from the Big Bear City Airport. Prior to the flight, the kids meet their pilot, learn about the plane, and go through a preflight inspection. High above Big Bear, the Young Eagles have a chance to see the valley from a new perspective. After their flight, participants receive a logbook and can get more involved in flying with a free EAA student membership and online flight school. The Big Bear pilots volunteer their time, planes, and fuel for the program so there is no cost for the children to participate. A parent must be present to complete the permission forms. The Big Bear program has been in place for over 5 years and thousands of children have flown from the Big Bear City Airport. Young Eagles is held, weather permitting, the second Saturday of each month between April and September each year. Big Bear’s next Young Eagles program will be Saturday, May 14 from 8:30 until 11:00 am.
