Free airplane rides for kids with Young Eagles

In the Young Eagles program, volunteer pilots give kids age 8-17 years old free airplane rides.

The flights last about 15 or 20 minutes long, and the pilot involves the kid in the pre-flight inspection, and teaches him or her about the instrument panel, aeronautical chart and parts of the plane.

Founded over 25 years ago, Young Eagles program has flown over 2 million kids with the help of EAA’s network of volunteer pilots and ground volunteers.  The Young Eagles program is powered by volunteer pilots who aim to encourage an interest in aviation in kids.

Participants will receive information about EAA free on-line ground school course, details regarding other youth aviation programs, and EAA scholarships. 

Find the closest Young Eagles co-ordinator in Ohio here!

Young Eagles events for 2024

May 4, 2024
EAA Chapter 443 at Fairfield County Airport, Lancaster
The EAA Chapter 443 will provide Young Eagle flights from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. 
Details and Registration

May 4, 2024 EAA Chapter 443 at Fairfield County Airport, Lancaster
The EAA Chapter 443 will provide Young Eagle flights from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. 
Details and Registration

May 11, 2024 at EAA Chapter 174 at Clermont County Airport
Batavia Ohio Young Eagles Flights
Free airplane rides for kids ages 8-17 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Details and Registration

May 25, 2024: Marysville EAA Chapter 1629 Young Eagles Rally
Free airplane rides for kids ages 8-17, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Marysville Union County Airport 760 Clymer Rd. Marysville, OH 43040
Details and Registration

May 25, 2024: Madison County EAA Chapter 9 Young Eagles Rally
Free airplane rides for kids ages 8-17, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Madison County Airport 1281 US-40, London, OH
Details and Registration

June 1, 2024 EAA Chapter 443 at Fairfield County Airport, Lancaster
The EAA Chapter 443 will provide Young Eagle flights from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. 
Details and Registration

EAA International Young Eagles Day – June 8, 2024

This year, EAA celebrates the 31st annual International Young Eagles Day on Saturday, June 8, 2024. All EAA members and chapters are encouraged to participate in the Young Eagles program and share their passion for aviation with a new generation. 

June 8, 2024: Bolton Young Eagles Rally, Columbus Ohio 
Bolton Field – Bolton Field, EAA Chapter 9
Free airplane rides for children from 8-17 years old from 9 am – 12 pm.
Details and Registration Weather permitting

June 8, 2024: Marysville EAA Chapter 1629 Young Eagles Rally
Free airplane rides for kids ages 8-17, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Marysville Union County Airport 760 Clymer Rd. Marysville, OH 43040
Details and Registration

June 8, 2024: Newark-Heath EAA Chapter 402 Young Eagles Rally
Free flights for kids ages 8-14. Scheduling is broken into two time periods 0830 am and 10:15 am
Newark Heath Airport, 530 Heath Road, Heath, Ohio
Details and Registration

August 24, 2024: Marysville EAA Chapter 1629 Young Eagles Rally
Free airplane rides for kids ages 8-17, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Marysville Union County Airport 760 Clymer Rd. Marysville, OH 43040
Details and Registration

Aviation events

Freedom Fly-In at Union County Airport

Sat, Jul 20, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
760 Clymer Rd, Marysville OH 43040

A salute to the military including WWII airplanes, the Ohio Army National Guard (artillery and Air Defense units), the 801st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron (WWII living History), The Buckeye Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, and The Historical Aircraft Squadron, Inc.

Great BBQ lunch featuring Triple P Barbeque Co. The Union County airport has a covered outdoor eating area, capacity for up to 50 planes at a time to park on the ramp. Warbird displays and airplane rides. Details here. 

Oktoberfest Fly-In at Union County Airport

Saturday, Oct 5, 2024, 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
760 Clymer Rd, Marysville OH 43040

Celebrate Oktoberfest pilot style at the Union County Airport in Marysville, Ohio for some authentic German traditions — Schnitzel, Bratwurst, Curry Wurst, Hamburgers, Frankfurters, Potato Pancakes, Pretzel Bites, Sauerkraut, Potato Salad and deserts — served up by “A Cut Above Schnitzel” food truck.

WWII T-6 Texan “Checkers,” biplane rides with Goodfolk & O’Tymes and the Historical Aircraft Squadron, Inc. Warbird displays! Airplane rides! Great German food! Details.

2024 dates are still TBA

Saturday, September 2, 2023: EAA Chapter 9 at The Ohio State University Airport
Free flights for youth 8-17 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Ohio State University Airport, 2160 W Case Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
Details and Registration

Saturday, September 16, 2023: EAA Chapter 9 at Pickaway County Memorial Airport
Free flights for you 8-14 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Pickaway County Memorial Airport, 28181 McCrady Rd., Circleville, Ohio
Details and Registration

Saturday, September 23, 2023 Newark-Heath EAA Chapter 402 Young Eagles Rally
Free flights for kids ages 8-14. Scheduling is broken into two time periods 0830 am and 10:15 am
Newark Heath Airport, 530 Heath Road, Heath, Ohio
Details and Registration

Over 18, but interested in flight? They have events and resources for ages 18+ with the Learn to Fly program.

Find more programs for youth here