Young Eagles

Chapter 643 has a unique, active and ongoing Young Eagles program. The chapter has flown over 2100 youngsters since the start of the initiative in 1993 and broken every annual goal that it has set. We have supported airport open houses throughout the area with Young Eagles flights, as well as assisting with Scouting Merit Badge programs and Aviation Explorers.

Each year many of the children that we expose to the amazing world of aviation come to us through programs that we have established with the Diocese of Metuchen and the Lawrenceville School. These organizations sponsor summer fresh air camps for disadvantaged urban kids throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. As a part of the camper program we give them an exposure to aviation including what, for many, is their first ever airplane ride. Wow! What fun! In Chapter 643's Young Eagles program, the pilots almost always have more fun than the kids!!

Naturally, a good dose of hangar flying is usually a part of our events as well as we wind down over our frequent impromptu end of day bbqs. Wouldn't you like to be a part of the experience of opening the eyes of a child to the endless possibilities of aviation? You can, and we could use your help. It doesn't matter if you're a pilot or non-pilot or pilot with their plane in the shop. There's a job for everyone at a Young Eagles event with Chapter 643. We need activity coaches, flight dispatchers, "ground school" instructors, administrators, safety monitors and, oh yeah, pilots and planes! If you think you'd like to join us or just get more information, please call Doug Nelson our Young Eagles coordinator at 908-479-1731 evenings, 973-367-1416 days or drop him a note at youngeagles@eaa643.org.