200,000 Young Eagles Enroll in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course

More than 200,000 young people nationwide have now had the opportunity to discover and explore a next step in aviation, thanks to the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course available free of charge following EAA Young Eagles flights.

The current online course enrollment is double the total of just four years ago. The online Sporty’s course is available free to Young Eagles as a follow-up to their initial introductory flight by volunteer EAA-member pilots. The course is a comprehensive online ground school, test prep, and flight training companion that provides all the knowledge and concepts to pass the FAA private pilot written test, oral exam, and checkride. As Young Eagles progress through the course, they earn a voucher for a free flight lesson, and reimbursement for the cost of their FAA knowledge exam.

“As we surpassed 2.5 million Young Eagles flown less than a month ago, having more than 200,000 of them enrolled in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course showcases that the program is a true pathway to future aviation participation,” said David Leiting, EAA’s Eagles Programs manager. “Sporty’s makes this course available at no charge to our Young Eagles, regardless of their location, in an easy-to-comprehend way that sets them up for even more success. We thank Sporty’s on behalf of all these young aviation enthusiasts.”

The concept to provide Sporty’s online courses at no charge for Young Eagles was developed with input from EAA-member pilots who fly Young Eagles. Those pilots reported that after their flight, many of the young people wanted to discover more about aviation but lacked access to reliable and professional resources. The goal is to build the next generation of aviators and boost student pilot starts with a group already engaged through the Young Eagles program.

“It’s gratifying and humbling to know more than 200,000 young people have connected with our Learn to Fly Course to take their next steps in aviation,” said John Zimmerman, president and CEO of Sporty’s, who is also an EAA member and volunteer Young Eagles pilot. “There’s no better feeling for us than hearing of EAA Young Eagles who are now pilots themselves and achieved their personal goals by using our learning resources. It’s an investment we’re happy to make to support a new generation of aviators.”

This progression from Young Eagles flights to enrollment in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course perfectly supports EAA’s mission to grow participation in aviation by promoting The Spirit of Aviation, by giving young people more accessible pathways into the air. More information on Young Eagles is available at EAA.org/YoungEagles.