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EAA Learn To Fly Center

eaa airventure learn to fly center

Discover the Learn to Fly Center at EAA AirVenture!
Nestled in the heart of AirVenture at the EAA Four Corners, the Learn to Fly Center is your go-to destination for flight training inspiration and information. Whether you're just beginning to dream of flying or ready to take the next step, this is the perfect place to launch your journey.

Meet the Experts
Connect with certified flight instructors (CFIs), seasoned aviators, recent flight school graduates, and our fantastic Learn to Fly volunteers — all eager to answer your questions and guide you through the flight training process.

Main Features:

Redbird Touch ‘n Go Academy

  • Take your very first flight lesson — right here at AirVenture!
  • Join a 30-minute flight session in a Redbird simulator, led by a CFI
  • Leave with your first official logbook entry
  • On-site registration required
  • Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship (valid passport or birth certificate and photo ID)

Daily Flight Training Forums
Explore a variety of insightful topics, including:

  • How to ace your checkride
  • Time and cost-saving strategies
  • Navigating FAA medical certification
  • Training tips and simulator best practices

Hands-On Opportunities

  • Try out a Redbird AATD flight simulator
  • Use the Flight School Finder to locate local training programs
  • Find an aviation medical examiner near you
  • Sign up for a free Eagle Flight or Flying Start event

Learn More
Discover all that EAA’s Learn to Fly programs offer, from beginner guidance to advanced resources designed to support every step of your aviation journey.

Proudly Supported by

Redbird Flight

Learn to Fly Center 2026 Forum Schedule

  • Monday, July 20, 2026

    10 - 11:15 a.m. Stop Dreaming Start Flying — Flight Training First Steps
    Presented by David Leiting

    So, you’re ready to jump in and begin your flight training, but where do you start? Join EAA staff members as they cover all you need to know to jump-start your flight training journey.

    11:30 - 12:45 p.m. FAA Medical Certification and You
    Presented by EAA Aeromedical Advisory Council

    EAA’s Aeromedical Advisory Council is a group of senior FAA aviation medical examiners (AMEs) — all of whom are EAA members. Throughout this forum, they will address all your burning FAA medical questions.

    1 - 2:15 p.m. An Introduction to Soaring Flight
    Presented by Scott Manley

    Soaring is one of the best avenues to get started in flying. Soaring provides a more affordable entry point and teaches wonderful energy management along with stick and rudder skills. Join Scott Manley, certificated flight instructor-glider, who will discuss the best way to get started in soaring.

  • Tuesday, July 21, 2026

    8:30 – 9:45 a.m. How to Use Flight Simulation in Your Private Pilot Training
    Presented by Josh Harnagel

    Learn how flight simulation can be leveraged during your training to help you achieve your goals for less money and in less time. Josh Harnagel from Redbird will share all there is to know and answer your burning questions.

    10 – 11:15 a.m. Save Time & Money in Flight Training
    Presented by Larry Bothe

    Find out what it really takes to learn to fly. Is it difficult? Do I have to deal with higher math? How much testing must I undergo? What is the real total cost of learning to fly? Are there hidden costs? How can I save money along the way? All this and more in this comprehensive look at flight training.

    11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. EAA Sport Pilot Academy — Fast-Track to Flight
    Presented by Jakob Brouillette

    What does it really take to earn a sport pilot certificate in only three weeks? Join a graduate-turned-instructor for a candid look at the academy’s training model, success stories, and the realities behind this accelerated path to becoming a sport pilot.

    1 – 2:15 p.m. Aircraft for Flight Training and Beyond
    Presented by Tim Hoversten

    There is more than one option for accessing an aircraft for flight training. Learn about the various access points to flight training aircraft and continued access to these aircraft after earning your pilot certificate.

  • Wednesday, July 22, 2026

    8:30 – 9:45 a.m. FAA Medical Certification and You
    Presented by EAA Aeromedical Advisory Council

    EAA’s Aeromedical Advisory Council is a group of senior FAA aviation medical examiners (AMEs) — all of whom are EAA members. Throughout this forum, they will address all your burning FAA medical questions.

    10 – 11:15 a.m. Pass Your Checkride (Part 1 of 2 — The Oral)
    Presented by Larry Bothe

    Get your paperwork right so the examiner is happy. Do your homework. Bring everything you need. Learn the common errors in the oral quizzing portion and how to avoid them. You have more control over your practical test than you think. Take advantage of these things and pass the first time. Note: If you will not still be at AirVenture when Part 2: The Flight is presented, EAA members can watch the archived webinar online on a later date.

    11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Pass the FAA Knowledge Exam in Less Time
    Presented by Bret Koebbe

    Learn from Sporty’s Pilot Shop about how you can get the most out of your flight training using an at-home study course. We’ll cover best practices as well as helpful tips and tricks.

    1 – 2:15 p.m. From the Right Seat: Student Pilot Guide to Initial Flight Training
    Presented by Bill Janowicz, CFI, CFII, MEI, MEII

    Explore the transition from nonpilot to student pilot beginning with the “Big Three Questions.” The material is designed to assist the student pilot in making informed decisions early in their training — learning from actual questions posed by students and answers suggested by flight instructors and experienced pilots alike. We will close with a panel Q&A session.

  • Thursday, July 23, 2026

    8:30 – 9:45 a.m. How to Use Flight Simulation in Your Private Pilot Training
    Presented by Josh Harnagel

    Learn how flight simulation can be leveraged during your training to help you achieve your goals for less money and in less time. Josh Harnagel from Redbird will share all there is to know and answer your burning questions.

    10 a.m. – 11:15 p.m. Pass Your Checkride (Part 2 of 2: The Flight)
    Presented by Larry Bothe

    Complete the flight portion of your checkride like a pro. Perform maneuvers in ways that always work. Learn to correct maneuvers that aren’t working out. What will the DPE accept, and what is just flat bad? All this and more in this detailed flight portion guidance. Includes a quick, 5-minute review of the paperwork and oral quizzing portions. Fly well and pass the first time.

    11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Become a Pilot and Serve Our Country in the United States Naval Academy
    Presented by Mark Germano

    Learn about the United States Naval Academy’s aviation opportunities and what it takes to be a successful applicant. Come learn about the top public school of national liberal arts colleges in the country, getting a full scholarship, being paid monthly, and 100% employment guarantee. If you want to fly and serve your country, you’ll want to be in the Navy. The Navy has more flying platforms than the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard combined.

    1 – 2:15 p.m. The Role of Simulation in Flight Training
    Presented by Scott Manley

    Whether you are a seasoned instructor looking to better serve your clients, a certificated pilot working to maintain proficiency, or someone new to flight training, flight simulation has the potential to dramatically contribute to your goals. It can provide a higher quality of training and a greater breadth and depth of experience, in significantly less time, and at a dramatically lower cost.

  • Friday, July 24, 2026

    8:30 – 9:45 a.m. From the Right Seat: Student Pilot Guide to Initial Flight Training
    Presented by Bill Janowicz, CFI, CFII, MEI, MEII

    Explore the transition from nonpilot to student pilot beginning with the “Big Three Questions.” The material is designed to assist the student pilot in making informed decisions early in their training — learning from actual questions posed by students and answers suggested by flight instructors and experienced pilots alike. We will close with a panel Q&A session.

    10 – 11:15 a.m. Mentoring Young Eagles and Student Pilots on the Path to Solo
    Presented by Don Knight

    The presentation emphasizes the understanding of a syllabus and lesson plans used for reaching one’s first solo! The emphasis is on safety, the training aircraft, ground knowledge, flight maneuvers, and weather.

    11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Stop Dreaming Start Flying — Flight Training First Steps
    Presented by David Leiting

    So, you’re ready to jump in and begin your flight training, but where do you start? Join EAA staff members as they cover all you need to know to jump-start your flight training journey.

    1 - 2:15 p.m. An Introduction to Soaring Flight
    Presented by Scott Manley

    Soaring is one of the best avenues to get started in flying. Soaring provides a more affordable entry point and teaches wonderful energy management along with stick and rudder skills. Join Scott Manley, certificated flight instructor-glider, who will discuss the best way to get started in soaring.

  • Saturday, July 25, 2026

    11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. EAA Sport Pilot Academy — Fast-Track to Flight
    Presented by Jakob Brouillette

    What does it really take to earn a sport pilot certificate in only three weeks? Join a graduate-turned-instructor for a candid look at the academy’s training model, success stories, and the realities behind this accelerated path to becoming a sport pilot.

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