Young Eagles program helping Central Oregon young people achieve their aviation aspirations
Claire Elmer
(Update: Adding video, adding interviews with pilot, program coordinator, and student pilots)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For many kids, looking up at the sky sparks a dream. The Young Eagles program turns that dream into reality — giving young people their own flight experience, free of charge.
It’s all part of the mission of the Experimental Aircraft Association: to spark a passion for aviation and open doors for the next generation of pilots.
More than 2 million kids across the country have flown with Young Eagles since the program launched in the 1990s. Here in Central Oregon, volunteers dedicate their own time and money to make it possible.
KTVZ spoke with Jeff Stolasz, a pilot for the program, when he returned from a recent flight with a Young Eagle.
“We just did a Young Eagle flight with McKenzie here. And she was super brave… she was actually flying the airplane after we took off,” Stolasz said.
Stolasz’s ‘co-pilot’, Young Eagle McKenzie Goodrich, was excited to share her experience and the connection she has to the program.
“I just like flying and being in the air. My sister is getting her private pilot’s license this month, and she’s hoping to join the military,” Goodrich said.
Thomas Wright, Young Eagles coordinator, spoke with KTVZ News about the program. The volunteer efforts are what make it all possible.
“Everyone here is doing this on their own time,” Wright said. “The pilots, they’re doing it with their own money. And it’s wonderful to see them come out and help this program.”
And the impact goes far beyond a single flight. Students can earn scholarships through the program to help pay for their private pilot’s license — helping to turn childhood dreams into career paths.
“It’s just so gratifying to see kids from all walks of life,” Wright added. “We open the door of opportunity to them… and they’re on their way. They’re going to be pilots.”
That opportunity is fueling ambition for students across Central Oregon. Three Young Eagles scholars — students who have received scholarships from the program to earn their pilots’ licenses — shared what has fueled their passion for aviation. All point to family members as inspiration.
Tobann Bionda, a student pilot with Young Eagles, shared how he’s following in his brother’s footsteps.
“My brother and I used to watch Trent Palmer videos, and we just thought it was super awesome. We both wanted to become pilots. He got his pilot’s license two years ago, and I’m just following him,” Bionda said.
Delilah Richards, Young Eagles student pilot, got her love of traveling from the opportunities that came along with her mom’s job.
“I got involved with flying because my mom works at the airport. I thought, why not have a career where I can just travel all the time? So that kind of just got me involved with flying. And I’ve just always loved it,” Richards said.
The sister McKenzie Goodrich spoke about after her flight is Young Eagles student pilot and scholar Taylor Goodrich.
“My dad was a private pilot, he was my initial inspiration,” Taylor Goodrich said. “I’ve joined Civil Air Patrol, and that’s really helped to push me forward in this. Now I’m applying for service academies and Military Service Academy. I want to fly fighter jets for the military, and that’s kind of my end goal.”
From first flights to future careers, the Young Eagles program is giving students a chance to reach both the sky and their dreams.