I love discovering all the wonderful things our Central Valley has to offer, and writing this weekly blog for FresYes.com gives me the perfect excuse to explore! From trying amazing foods and entertainment spots to shopping at new boutiques, I get to share what makes this area such a fantastic place to call home. Every once in a while, I stumble upon something so cool that, while not Fresno-specific, is definitely accessible to Fresnans—and this is one of those times.
My son is a high school senior, and he’s seriously considering a career in aviation, possibly as a private or commercial pilot. When I mentioned this to a relative, she told me about an incredible opportunity available to young people through the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).
Founded in the 1950s, the EAA was created to bring recreational pilots together and foster a love for custom-built, recreational planes. These are not mass-produced aircraft, but smaller, unique planes that owners can modify to meet their needs. While safety is always a priority, these planes reflect the personality, dreams, and creativity of their owners.
Over the years, the EAA has grown into a worldwide nonprofit focused on aviation education, promoting aircraft building and safety, introducing youth to aviation, preserving the history of the field, and advocating for private plane owners. Their goal is to ensure that homebuilding and flying recreational planes continue for future generations.
One of the most exciting things the EAA offers is their Young Eagles program, designed to share the joy of flying with young people. Various EAA chapters, typically based around municipal airports, offer kids ages 8-17 the chance to experience a private flight with a certified pilot. Since its inception in 1992, the program has given countless kids their first taste of flying—and best of all, it’s completely free!
Youth who participate aren’t limited to just one flight, either! They can schedule additional flights in different cities as they like, gaining even more experience in the air. Plus, youth who join the Young Eagles program gain access to incredible benefits, such as an online ground school, which is the first step in pursuing a pilot’s license. The program even offers reimbursement for the first test in the process, and participants also have access to scholarship opportunities that can be applied toward flight school!
Booking a Young Eagles flight is simple through the EAA website. While I didn’t find any Fresno-area flights when I booked my son’s, I’ve heard they do pop up from time to time. The pilots who participate in the program are all volunteers, generously donating their time, aircraft, and fuel to give young people this unique experience.
This past weekend, our family made the trip to Bakersfield Municipal Airport, where my son had the incredible opportunity to fly in a two-seater plane. He was one-on-one with an experienced pilot who not only explained the different parts of the plane but also let him steer once they were airborne! The flight lasted about 20 minutes, and we were able to take photos, watch them take off, and see the safe landing—all in under an hour. It was such a thrilling experience for us as parents, and for our son, it was absolutely exhilarating.
If you have a child or teen who’s fascinated by flight or considering a career in aviation, I can’t recommend this opportunity enough. We’re so grateful to the generous EAA volunteers who make this experience possible, and it’s something our family will remember for years to come.
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