EAA Embarks on “Mission 2.5” to Achieve Youth Aviation Milestone
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has launched an ambitious campaign, “Mission 2.5”, with the goal to reach 2.5 million Young Eagles flights by the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 airshow in July. As of September 24, 2025, the program has recorded 2,453,776 young people flown since its inception in 1992, requiring just over 46,000 additional flights to reach the milestone.
The initiative, dubbed the “25 for 2.5” campaign, challenges EAA member pilots to fly 25 Young Eagles each between October 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026. Participating pilots will receive recognition and limited-edition commemorative items. Additionally, EAA chapters that recruit new volunteer pilots will earn extra Young Eagles credits for resources and scholarships.
“We now see its effect in developing two generations of pilots,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman. The Young Eagles program provides free introductory flights to youth aged 8-17, with over 50,000 EAA member pilots having participated over three decades. The program has become the foundation for EAA’s expanding youth aviation education resources.
- Program Milestones:
- 2.5 million Young Eagles flights goal by July 2026
- 2,453,776 young people flown as of September 24, 2025
- Over 50,000 EAA member pilots participated
Source: General Aviation News