Textbook Example

December 19, 2013 - After Eric Beets, EAA 1078480, took a Young Eagles flight on January 15, 2012, the 17-year-old high school student from Burlington, Wisconsin, made the decision that he would become a private pilot. Thanks to his determination and the EAA Young Eagles Flight Plan, Eric passed his checkride on April 5, 2013.

Now he's organizing a Young Eagles rally at his home airport next spring.

Eric gives EAA 100 percent of the credit for teaching him about aviation. After the Young Eagles flight, he completed the online Sporty's Learn to Fly Course (provided free to Young Eagles), applied for and was granted a scholarship to attend the EAA Air Academy, passed the FAA written exam on his first attempt (the cost of which was reimbursed by EAA), plus was chosen as a recipient of a Gathering of Eagles flight training scholarship.

Now he's spreading the word about flight to his friends and the public. "I've already given flights to some of my friends, and I feel it's my duty to help others discover flying like EAA helped me," he said. "I want to help get anyone and everyone interested in aviation and I thought that telling my story to other parents, kids, pilots, and anyone willing to listen would be great way to achieve my goal."