Kids who love planes can get up close and explore them a little more at area Young Eagles programs. The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles program gives ages 8 – 17 the opportunity to fly in a general aviation airplane for about 30 minutes — FREE of charge! The children fly with EAA member volunteers, too, and are even given control of the aircraft for a moment as well. In addition, Scouts can earn a Merit badge through the opportunity. Only a few programs in our area offer this program. Registration may be required and spots fill up fast! All you have to do is visit their website and send them an email.
Photo above: A happy Young Eagle seated up front in Bob’s V-tail Bonanaza at Murfreesboro Municipal Airport. Photo by EAA Chapter 419.
Local Young Eagles Programs
Lebanon Municipal Airport
760 Franklin Road, Lebanon
615-444-0031
EAA Chapter 863 Fall Classic Fly-In and Young Eagle Rally
Saturday, Sept. 30 (7 – 10 a.m.)
Murfreesboro Municipal Airport
1930 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro
615-848-3254
EAA Chapter 419 Young Eagles
Check website for next event happening in November.
Smyrna Airport
278 Doug Warpoole Road, Smyrna
EAA Chapter 162 Young Eagles Fall Program
Check website for next event happening in November.
Breakfasts & Fly-Ins
If your child’s not interested in a free ride in a plane, but still wants to check some out up close, the above EAA chapters and a few others below also have breakfasts and fly-ins where you can be their guest and eat breakfast with them for a small donation. Come out and learn about what they do and see who flies in! Here are a few more EAA chapters (that don’t offer the Young Eagles program) to check out and see who has an event coming up:
Gallatin: 1343.eaachapter.org
Nashville: 1326.eaachapter.org
Nashville: 162.eaachapter.org
