Chicago Executive Airport Young Eagles Program Overview
The Young Eagles program was established in 1992 by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) of Oshkosh Wisconsin. The program was designed to give children ages 8-17 their first airplane ride free of charge. With the help of local chapters and associate organizations, EAA’s initial goal of flying one million kids by the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight in 1903 was more than reached. As of the December 2003 anniversary, over 1,025,000 children had been flown worldwide -- more than 700 of them at Chicago Executive. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary, the EAA announced the indefinite extension of the program with the new goal of flying 1,000 children each month. As of January 2009, the total number of Young Eagles flown increased to more than 1,532,000. At Chicago Executive Airport in suburban Wheeling, Young Eagles rallies are conducted by volunteer FAA certified pilots flying their own aircraft and entirely at their own expense. Aircraft range from two seat trainers, to larger twin-engine aircraft. Young Eagles introductory flights last 15 to 20 minutes depending on type of aircraft. Pilots strive to give their Young Eagles participants a flight experience they will remember for the rest of their lives. During their flights children see how aircraft operations are conducted and develop an understanding of how pilots work with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight. On the ground, the Young Eagles flight experience is supplemented by a group of dedicated volunteers who conduct aeronautical ground school lessons including everything from aviation chart reading, aerodynamics and radio communications, to understanding weather and theory of flight. At the end of their flights, children are presented with a commemorative certificate signed by their pilot and national program chairman Harrison Ford, and each child’s name is entered in “the world’s largest logbook” at EAA museum headquarters. The Young Eagles program at Chicago Executive Airport is conducted at Signature Fleight Support terminal, 1100 South Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling IL. Rallies are held quarterly with make-up days 1 week and 1 day after the rally date or as announced. Flights start at 10:00AM and generally run until 2:00PM. To sign-up individual children or a group, call the Young Eagles Hotline at 847-883-8388 and follow the menu. Children must be between the ages of 8 and 17 and need parent's or guardian's written permission for the flight--forms will be mailed to those who pre-register and are available the day of the rally for walk-ups. Designated responsible adults must be present for each child at the event. After 7:30AM on the day of the rally, call the Young Eagles hotline for the rally status.
For more information about the Young Eagles program at Chicago Executive Airport, call Richard Steinbrecher at 847-579-1225.
To learn more about the EAA’s Young Eagles program, visit www.EAA.org and or click on Young Eagles.
Richard Steinbrecher Young Eagles Program Director
Click on Pictures to Enlarge
Ground school
Pre-flight brief
They are never to young to dream
Chicago Executive Airport Young Eagles Rallies are held at Signature Flight Support located at 1100 Milwaukee Avenue in Wheeling IL. Enter from the east side of the airfield at the airport monument signage, follow the airport road to Signature Flight Support.
