Harrison
Ford Replaces Chuck Yeager
March 12 - Harrison Ford, best known as a renowned actor in more than
three dozen films but also an extremely active pilot and member of the
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), was introduced today as the new
Chairman of the EAA Young Eagles Program, which has flown more than 1
million young people since 1992.
During a welcoming program with EAA President Tom Poberezny, Ford
accepted the chairmanship of the program, saying, "It's daunting to step
into General Yeager's shoes, but aviation is about learning new skills
and the satisfaction that comes with practicing them and doing
better."
Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager, who has served as Young Eagles Chairman since
1994, has been named the program's Chairman Emeritus and will continue
to participate as one of more than 35,000 volunteer pilots who have been
involved since Young Eagles was founded.
"Harrison Ford's passion for flight has grown through the years, as he
has achieved several pilot certificates and ratings, and made aviation a
major part of his life," Poberezny said. "He discovered Young Eagles on
his own several years ago and quietly started flying young people. He
now has flown 81 Young Eagles. He is a natural fit to help lead us to
even greater achievements as EAA members prepare the next generation of
aviators."
The Young Eagles Program's original goal of flying 1 million young
people ages 8-17 was reached in October 2003, when 15-year-old Andrew
Grant of German Valley, Ill., was flown by EAA member Rick Ellis. The
one-to-one outreach between pilot and youngster was part of what
attracted Ford to the program.
"Young Eagles gives kids a view of the world they've never seen before,"
Ford said. "Each Young Eagle flight is an opportunity to excite kids by
sharing your passion for flight and to show them that they, too, can
learn the skills to participate in aviation."
Ford actually began flight training as a college student in the 1960s,
but then put his training on hold until he rediscovered it in the early
1990s. He has since earned ratings in rotorcraft and tailwheel
aircraft. He has been an EAA member since the mid-1990s and a member of
a local EAA Chapter near his home.
The new Chairman is the third in the history of the Young Eagles
Program. Academy Award-winning actor Cliff Robertson served as Chairman
from the program's founding in July 1992 through 1994, with Gen. Yeager
serving 1995-2003. Under these two Chairmen, EAA's Young Eagles has
grown into the largest youth aviation education program ever created.
Since those first flights in 1992, Young Eagles flights have taken place
on every continent except Antarctica and in aircraft ranging from
business jets to blimps. Each year, EAA receives numerous reports of
young people who have been inspired to pursue aviation as a career or as
recreation because of their Young Eagles flights. Many of those early
Young Eagles have since earned their own pilot ratings and are now
introducing flight to other Young Eagles. Every major university
aviation program and all U.S. military academies also have current
students who were inspired by a Young Eagles flight.
"As we launch the second century of powered flight, Young Eagles will
also reach for new horizons," Poberezny said. "We have seen the impact
that this program has made on young people, whether or not they pursue
aviation. That inspires us to do even more."
The EAA President also announced new offerings as follow-ups to initial
Young Eagles flights, including expanded web site activities and
recognition levels for young people interested in aviation. Those
specific activities will be announced as they are unveiled.
The Young Eagles Program was founded in 1992 and has provided more than
1 million free demonstration flights to young people. Through January
2004, young people around the world have participated in the program
through the efforts of 35,000 volunteer pilots. Major support is
provided by Jaguar Cars. More information is available at
www.youngeagles.org.
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