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In addition to providing direct Coast Guard Auxiliary services to the local
boating community, Flotilla 12-5 members often use their Auxiliary related
skills in support of the worthwhile activities of other
community based organizations.
One of the more noteworthy of these activities is the time and energy the
flotilla's "Air Wing" member put into introducing local area youth into the
world of aviation through the "Young Eagles Program" of the Experimental
Aircraft Association (EAA).
YOUNG EAGLES
The EAA is an international aviation membership association founded in 1953.
More than 165,000 people belong to the organization, with chapters located
in all 50 states and many other countries. Members are aviation enthusiasts
of every age group, including airline and commercial pilots, engineers,
business people and even astronauts. More information about EAA can be
obtained by visiting their web site.
 The
EAA sponsors the Young Eagles Program, a charitable non-profit organization
dedicated to the discovery and fulfillment of individual potential through
personal flight. General Chuck Yeager is the Honorary Chairman of the EAA's
Young Eagles Program.
The program is designed to provide children between the ages of 8 and 17
with flying experiences that will give them new perspectives on the world,
and on life in general. The first "demonstration ride" of a young person is
meant to motivate him or her to get more involved in aviation; to meet
people with similar interests in aviation; to learn more; and to share their
enthusiasm with others. The Young Eagles' "Next Step" program offers classes
and academies for different age groups to assist young people in learning
more about aeronautics, and to prepare them for obtaining a private pilots
license. Details about the various Young Eagles programs can be found at
http://www.youngeagles.com/
FLOTILLA 12-5 MEMBER INVOLVEMENT
EAA Chapter 29 is located in Hayward, California and counts members of
Flotilla 12-5's Air Wing among its members and officers. The Young Eagle
Coordinator for Chapter 29 is Flotilla 12-5 member Cheryl Andrade, and she
can be contacted at 510.581.8869.
The pictures below were taken in June of 2002 during "Young Eagles Day" at
the Hayward Airport (HWD).
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