As EAA members, we’re all committed to growing participation in aviation. That’s what EAA Eagle Flights is all about. We’re reaching out to adults who say, “I’ve always wanted to fly,” and giving them a one-to-one, hands-on flight experience that inspires them to take control of their dream of becoming a pilot.
As with Young Eagles, the success of Eagle Flights is up to us as volunteer pilots, EAA members, and chapter leaders.
Eagle Flight Pilots
Eagle Flight volunteer pilots give freely of their time and resource to provide free introductory flights to adults.
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Pilot Requirements:
The EAA Eagle Flights™ pilot requirements are basic, but MUST be followed. To fly passengers in the EAA Eagle Flights program, you must:
- Be an EAA member
- Hold an appropriate Airman’s Certificate (sport pilot or greater)
- Possess a current Medical Certificate (if applicable)
- Be current to carry passengers in the aircraft you plan to use
- Have a current biennial flight review
- Complete the Eagle Flights registration form before the flight, signed by you and each of your passengers
- Conduct flights in an aircraft that is in airworthy condition
- Have Aircraft Passenger Liability Insurance for the aircraft used (owned, rented, or borrowed)
- Adhere to all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations
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Order Supplies
Order registration forms and pilot guidelines brochures using the form below (this is for Eagle Flights only).
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Flight Guidelines
Before the Flight
Prep your Eagle for their flight experience
- Complete the appropriate registration form, signed by you and each of your passengers.
- Discuss what you’ll see and do on your flight, including reviewing charts and identifying reference points.
- Stress ramp safety, emphasizing caution around propellers and moving aircraft.
- Conduct a pre-flight inspection and identify the parts that control the airplane.
- Describe the aircraft interior and explain the operation of the aircraft door, safety belts, and shoulder harnesses (if installed).
- Allow time to answer any questions before starting your engine.
In The Air
Give your Eagle the best flight experience possible.
- Maintain a common-sense approach and apply see-and-avoid techniques at all times.
- Plan your flight to be as pleasant as possible. VFR weather is required.
- Participants may follow along on the controls, but you must remain in command of the aircraft at all times. No hot loading, aerobatic maneuvers, unusual attitudes, or formation flights are permitted.
- EAA Eagle Flights™ is designed to be a one-to-one experience, no more than one participant can be flown at one time.
After The Flight
Let your Eagle know about the next steps into the world of aviation.
- Congratulate your Eagle! Ask if they have any questions about their flight.
- Share your post-flight rituals - replacing maps, straightening the cockpit, and pushing the aircraft into the hangar.
- Describe the next steps they can take on their journey to become an aviator.
- Eagles will receive a free, six-month EAA membership after the registration form is submitted. Now is a great opportunity to talk about what EAA membership means to you.
- Consider following up 1-2 weeks after your flight. Remember, most pilots learned to fly because they were inspired by someone else.
- Be that inspiration and help them take the first step!
- Be sure to send in the registration form. Don’t delay! A misplaced or lost registration form will mean the Eagle will not be officially registered or receive subsequent benefits.
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Insurance Coverage:
A significant element of the EAA Eagle FlightsTM program is the insurance that protects the volunteer pilot as they participate. EAA has arranged comprehensive insurance for all aspects of the Eagle Flights program, all without a premium charge to the volunteer pilot. There are some key points in the summary below that must be adhered to in order to ensure that the pilot is protected.
Only EAA members may conduct Eagle Flights. Guidelines must be strictly followed in order for the insurance to apply and for the flight to be logged in the program. Please note that when the guidelines are met, this insurance is automatically in place for the flight and no additional insurance forms need to be completed:
- Pilot must be a current EAA member
- EAA members acting as participating pilots must hold an appropriate Airman’s Certificate (Sport Pilot or greater)
- Pilots must possess a current Medical Certificate (if applicable)
- Pilots must be current to carry passengers in the aircraft they plan to use
- Pilots must have a current Flight Review
- Aircraft Passenger Liability Insurance is required for the aircraft used (owned, rented, or borrowed) with a minimum of $100,000 per seat liability insurance. If a rented aircraft is being used, it is essential that the volunteer pilot maintain a renter’s (or non‐owned) insurance policy.
- The Eagle Flights registration form must be completed before the flight and remain on the ground during the flight
- The aircraft used for the flight must be in airworthy condition
- Flights must adhere to all applicable Federal Air Rules (FARs)
- Pilot must meet the current Federal Air Rules (FARs) for the pilot certificate held.
Only EAA chapters are approved to hold Eagle Flights rallies. EAA chapters, their officers, directors, members and volunteers are protected by the EAA Chapter Insurance Plan for both ground and flight activities. To activate coverage for an Eagle Flights rally, the chapter must complete the Event Insurance Application form online at least 30 days prior to the event. Premises general liability coverage in the amount of what the chapter elected will apply.
Eagle Flights are given on an individual basis; only one adult passenger is allowed per Eagle Flight. It may not be in conjunction with a Young Eagle Flight or combined with an adult orientation ride. A release must be signed by the participant.
Please contact EAA at 800‐236‐4800, ext. 6106, if you have any insurance-related questions.
Chapter Eagle Flight Leaders
EAA Eagle Flights™ Leaders help facilitate and promote one-on-one Eagle Flights within the EAA chapter network, as well as lead coordination for Flying Start events hosted by the chapter.
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Responsibilities:
- Serve as liaison between EAA chapter members, EAA members-at-large, and adults who are interested in learning to fly.
- Provide input to chapter and the Eagle Flights office regarding direction for continued program growth.
- Maintain a list of chapter members available to conduct Eagle Flights according to established guidelines.
- Ensure you and mentor pilots are familiar with the Mentor Pilot Handbook and the Your Guide to the Aviation Experience takeaway piece including the Eagle Flights logbook and registration form. Ensure forms are completed prior to the flights and the forms are returned to the Eagle Flights office by pilot or flight leaders as soon after the flight as possible.
- Encourage chapter members to order Eagle Flights materials and register as mentor pilots at EAA.org/EagleFlights.
- Promote the positive attributes of general aviation to participants, civic and social groups, and the local media. EAA may provide your name and number to interested adults in your area.
- Eagle Flights Leaders contact information will be listed on the EAA Eagle Flights webpage.
- Led the planning of Flying Start events, which included managing the event via FlyingStart.org.
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Qualifications:
- EAA member in good standing
- Airman’s certificate or a comprehensive understanding of aerodynamics and regulations
- Ability to communicate well, both verbally and written
- High energy level with ability to spark enthusiasm in others
- Arrange Eagle Flights, either personally or with a chapter mentor pilot, for any adults expressing a desire to participate in the Eagle Flights program.
- Communicate with the Eagle Flights office by providing constructive criticism and suggestions to improve the program.
