Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is this event all about?
A. The EAA Young Eagles Program was developed in 1992 to welcome young people into the world of aviation. Aviation is exciting and vital to our nation's future and the best way to convey that message is to actually experience flight in a first-hand setting.

Q. How Early should I get there?
A. We want you there at your scheduled time... there's no need to be there earlier.

Q. Where is Thun Field?
A. Pierce County Airport is located about 4 miles south of Puyallup on Meridian (hwy 161) at the stop light on 168th Street. Look for the Pierce County Airport sign on the east side of Meridian. Then follow the signs for the Young Eagles Parking. The Address is 16715 Meridian E, Puyallup, WA 98375.

Q. How long will it take?
A. About 1 1/2 hours.

Q. What is the process?
A. The first step is registration where a parent or guardian must sign in each child. The children are then given a short ground school course and safety briefing. Following the ground school each child will recieve a short 15-20 minute flight. Total time, start to finish, is about 1 1/2 hours. Parent must be on the premises during that time.

Q. Is it safe?
A. Flying in an airplane is safer than many other forms of recreation. Each EAA Young Eagle Flight takes place in a FAA-registered airplane flown by a licensed pilot. The flight is conducted according to federal regulations. No aerobatic or non-standard maneuvers will be performed. Flights are also conducted on good weather days to maximize the experience for the participants.

Q. Can my child fly with his/her friends?
A. Some airplanes can carry as many as 3 passengers, some carry only 1. Make your preferences known when you register your child and we will try to accommodate you.

Q. I know one of the pilots, can my child fly with him?
A. Please let us know during registration and we'll try to accommodate you (understand that it may add to your wait time)

Q. Can I bring my neighbor's child too?
A. No, A parent or guardian must be there in person to sign them in.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. Nothing, it's completely free! EAA Members love to fly and enjoy sharing the experience. We would like to see our youth become enthusiastic about aviation. Over 1 million kids world wide have been flown in the Young Eagles program.

Q. Are the airplanes home built?
A. Some are... the good looking ones. But they are all FAA certified. If you want to fly in a particular airplane let them know during registration. Once again, you may have to wait longer.

Q. Is there an Age Limit?
A. The Young Eagle must be 8 to 17 years old.