In conjunction with EAA, Sporty’s announced at the annual Sun ‘n Fun Fly In in April 2009 that it will be providing $250,000 over a three-year period to finance a program called Next Step.
Working with EAA’s Young Eagles program, Next Step has as its goal creating new pilots by making it easy for young people who have just taken an airplane ride through EAA’s Young Eagles program to pursue the passion for flying. Each Young Eagle will be given a regulation logbook with instructions on what to do next.
Sporty’s will make its Complete Pilot Training Course available at no charge to every Young Eagle. The course will be accessed on line and comes with Sporty’s guarantee that the student will pass the written test, the oral test and the checkride.
In addition, these aspiring pilots will be mentored by EAA Chapter members. A full-time salaried position will be added at EAA headquarters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to administer this program. Approximately 80,000 to 100,000 young people become Young Eagles each year.
Sporty’s Founder and Chairman Hal Shevers said, “How many parents know their child may take flying lessons at any age? How many know their child may solo an airplane at just 16 years of age and a glider at 14? And how many parents understand the lifetime opportunities that open up for their children through a passion for flight?”
In short, Next Step is designed to move young people from the right seat to the left seat and replenish the pilot population. Check back for Next Step program updates.
