The recent Young Eagles program at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire  saw 37 young people take to the skies thanks to the generosity of local pilots.  

For most participants, the brief spin around Manchester-Boston Regional Airport was their very first ride in a small aircraft. 

Launched in 1992, the Young Eagles program has dedicated 30 years to giving youth ages 8 to 17 their first free ride in an airplane. It’s the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. 

A total of seven pilots donated their time and the use of their aircraft to the program, which took place on Saturday, Aug. 19 in conjunction with the Aviation Museum’s annual PlaneFest! celebration. 

Although free, the program required advanced registration online. Participants got to meet their pilot, check out the aircraft, and then take a brief flight in the vicinity of the airport.  

To learn more about the EAA Young Eagles program, including the location of future Young Eagles events, visit https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/free-ye-flights.  

In addition to featuring the EAA Young Eagles program, the Aviation Museum’s annual PlaneFest! celebration saw several hundred families take part in free hands-on activities designed to inspire curiosity about aviation and aerospace. 

The celebration was highlighted by the serving of a birthday cake in honor of aviation pioneer Orville Wright, who was born on Aug. 19, 1872.  

Wright, along with his brother Wilbur, made the first successful powered flight in 1903 at Kitty Hawk, N.C. 

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