Chapters and Young Eagles Volunteer Award Nominations Are Open!

February 2026 – The nomination period is now open for EAA chapters and Young Eagles volunteers to receive recognition awards at EAA AirVenture 2026! Each year, EAA recognizes a multitude of extraordinary individuals who have gone above and beyond in supporting their EAA chapters and the EAA Young Eagles program. Our organization exists and thrives because of its many dedicated and passionate volunteers, and we seek to celebrate the exceptional people who help promote The Spirit of Aviation.

Do you know any special volunteers who are worthy of recognition for the time and effort they devoted to their EAA chapters and/or the Young Eagles program? If so, then we encourage you to nominate these volunteers to be recognized by EAA this year.

Nominations for these awards will close on May 31, 2026.

Chapter Volunteer Awards

EAA chapters are built and sustained by the hard work of dedicated individuals. We seek to recognize the volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional effort and passion in support of their chapter, EAA, and the general aviation community. Chapters are the backbone of EAA and provide grassroots opportunities for all kinds of pilots and aviation enthusiasts.

Chapter volunteers are eligible for the following awards:

• Major Achievement Award — Many EAA members go above and beyond the call of their duties as chapter leaders and volunteers. To recognize these special individuals, EAA presents them with the Chapter Major Achievement Award. Winners are selected for their EAA and chapter dedication, service to the aviation community, and personal achievements.
• Newsletter Editor — Newsletters are one of the main communication links for chapters. Composing a monthly chapter newsletter that is informative, easy to read, and interesting is a daunting task for the newsletter editor. Newsletters are judged on their consistency, appearance, layout, and content.
• Web Editor — EAA chapters have embraced the internet to communicate and connect with fellow aviation enthusiasts, allowing them to better serve the local members and the aviation community at large. Websites are judged by their ease of use, appearance, layout, and content.

Do you know anyone who deserves these awards? Submit your nomination today!

These awards will be presented at the EAA Chapter Leaders Breakfast on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 8-10 a.m. in the Founders’ Wing of the EAA Aviation Museum, during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

If you have any questions about the chapter awards, feel free to contact the EAA Chapters office by phone at (800) 564-6322 or by email at chapters@eaa.org.

Young Eagles Volunteer Awards

Since 1992, the EAA Young Eagles program has introduced nearly 2.5 million youths to the world of aviation. This accomplishment would not be possible without the tireless efforts of many pilots, ground volunteers, and chapter coordinators.

Young Eagles volunteers are eligible for the following awards:

• Young Eagles Coordinator Award — Awarded to a Young Eagles coordinator nominated for their special commitment to their EAA chapter.
• Young Eagles Ground Support Award — Awarded to a ground volunteer nominated for their exceptional work during Young Eagles rallies.
• Young Eagles Horizon Award — Recognizes the exceptional efforts a volunteer, EAA chapter, or other organization provides in support of youth aviation.
• Phillips 66 Young Eagles Leadership Award — Presented by Phillips 66 Aviation, this award recognizes an outstanding volunteer or organization that has made significant contributions to the Young Eagles program.

Do you know anyone who deserves these awards? Submit your nomination today!

Technical Counselor and Flight Advisor Awards

In addition to chapters and Young Eagles volunteers, we also want to recognize the exceptional individuals who support EAA’s homebuilders and pilot members, including those who are affiliated with EAA chapters.

EAA’s technical counselors have helped many aircraft builders and restorers with their projects, while flight advisors have assisted many members in safely transitioning to a new aircraft or in preparing to test a newly built or restored aircraft. These volunteers are an invaluable resource for EAA members and the homebuilding community, ensuring safe and successful flight.

These volunteers are eligible for the following awards:

• Tony Bingelis Award — Awarded to an EAA technical counselor for dedicated service and/or significant contributions in assisting members to build and restore aircraft. Submit Nomination >
• Spirit of Flight Award — Awarded to an EAA member who best exemplifies the spirit of research, development, or flight testing. Submit Nomination >

These awards will be presented during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

If you have any questions about these awards, feel free to contact the EAA Safety Programs office by phone at (800) 564-6322 or by email at safetyprograms@eaa.org.