Giving Kids Their First Airplane Rides

Today was a special one. I was up before sunrise, walking out the door at 4:40 AM and heading toward Casa Grande Airport (KCGZ) in the quiet morning darkness.

Early departure from Casa Grande (KCGZ)

Landing early morning at Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD) in AZ in my Vashon Ranger R7 Light Sport Plane

The hangar has a special calm in the early morning. Light washes over the airplane, the air is crisp, and the sky feels wide open, ready for whatever the day will bring.

After going through my checklists on the Ranger and warming up the engine, I lifted off from Casa Grande and flew toward Chandler Municipal Airport. The sun was just beginning to rise, painting the horizon as the desert slowly woke up below. It was the perfect start to a day centered around one goal, sharing the magic of aviation with young future pilots through the EAA Young Eagles program.

When I touched down at Chandler, I joined a group of enthusiastic volunteers, excited parents, and most importantly, two very curious and wide eyed Young Eagles. The energy on the ramp was contagious. You could feel the excitement building as the kids prepared for their first experience in a small airplane.

Meet Today’s Young Eagles

Victor

This was Victor’s first time in a small airplane. He was a little nervous at first, but you could see the curiosity and excitement taking over as he climbed into the cockpit. He flew the plane like he had already had a few lessons.

Pranav

Pranav came ready to fly. He is already a fan of aviation and enjoys flying a Boeing 747 in a flight simulator at home. He arrived focused and eager to learn what flying is really like from the front seat.

Once we were airborne, both Young Eagles had the chance to take the controls and feel the airplane respond. They heard real world radio communications in the busy Chandler airspace and experienced what it feels like to fly a real flight path in a light sport aircraft. You could literally see excitement turning into confidence right in front of you. Their smiles said everything.

As pilots, we all have a moment we remember. The first flight that sparked something deep inside and made us look at the sky differently. Watching that same spark begin in someone else is hard to describe. It never gets old, and it is one of the many reasons we fly.

Today reminded me once again that aviation is more than airplanes and airspace. It is community, mentorship, and the chance to pass on something meaningful. Sharing that first flight with the next generation is an honor, and I am grateful for every opportunity to do it.

This is why we fly.

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About the Young Eagles Program

The EAA Young Eagles program has given more than two million young people their first flight in a general aviation aircraft since it started in 1992. The mission is simple. Inspire the next generation of aviators and introduce youth ages eight to seventeen to the world of flight with a free experience in the sky.

To learn more or sign up for a Young Eagles flight, visit the EAA program page here:
https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/free-ye-flights