Rochester International Airport to Host Young Eagles Rally

Rochester International Airport (RST) in partnership with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Southeast Minnesota Chapter 100 will host a Young Eagles Rally for ages 8-17 on Saturday, September 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. offering education and free flights to inspire the next generation into aviation.

“Inspiring interest in aviation is the purpose of the Young Eagle flights, the program is the only one of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce young people in the world of aviation,” said Dan Crandall, EAA member and coordinator of the event. “Volunteer pilots give overviews of their aircraft and the flight including review of aeronautical maps, preflight inspection of the aircraft, control instruments, and identification of ground reference points. Flights usually last about 15-20 minutes.”

Founded in 1992, the Young Eagles program is dedicated to giving youth an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. Flights are free of charge and made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers. All Young Eagle pilots are members of the EAA and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration or Transport Canada. Over 2.3 million young people throughout EAA chapters worldwide have participated in the program. Young Eagles are registered in more than 90 countries and have been flown by 40,000 volunteer pilots.

“Our nation’s air travel system has been struggling with a growing lack of pilots for almost a decade. Early awareness activities, like the Young Eagles Rally, are essential to inspire the next generation of aviators” said John Reed, executive director.

“Careers in aviation are accessible and affordable thanks to local flight training offered through Great Planes Aviation and their partnerships with Rochester Community and Technical College and Minnesota State Mankato,” said Reed.

The Young Eagles Rally will be held at Signature Flight Support, adjacent to RST main terminal located at 7300 Brataas Drive SW. The event is free and registration is required in advance or day of the event.  More information is available on the Young Eagles website. A rain date is planned for September 23.