Congratulations to our friends at EAA Chapter 1116, Jacqueline Cochran Airport, Thermal, California, on an extraordinary milestone. In January, the Chapter flew its 5,000th Young Eagle!

For years, EAA Chapter 1116 has been giving young people in the Coachella Valley something that can make a lifelong impression: the opportunity to get into an airplane and experience flight firsthand.

With 5,000 Young Eagles flown, this is by far the most established, successful and accomplished program in the Coachella Valley for introducing young people to aviation. Behind that number are thousands of individual experiences that may have sparked an interest in flying, aerospace or a future career.

Our AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 is proud to now be involved with EAA Chapter 1116. As we expand our education efforts throughout the Coachella Valley, working together opens even more doors for students to explore STEM, Cyber Education, the Air Force and Space Force, and the many paths available to them.

Five thousand Young Eagles is a remarkable accomplishment. Congratulations to the pilots, volunteers and everyone at EAA Chapter 1116 who made it possible.

We are proud to be working with EAA Chapter 1116 as they head toward 10,000 Young Eagles.

Learn more about EAA Chapter 1116 and its programs at chapters.eaa.org/eaa1116.

Thanks!