That mark is well within our reach and will keep us on track to complete our mission of flying 1 million Young Eagles in time for the 100th anniversary of powered flight. More than that, however, we want to increase the number of pilots who participate in the Young Eagles Program. On average, they flew 12 Young Eagles. To reach our goal of 107,000 Young Eagles in 2001, each of those 8,000 pilots would have to average 13 Young Eagles. However, if we can add 1,000 new pilots to the active pilot ranks, that average remains at 12 per year per pilot and we increase the number of children flown.
More hands make a big job easier.
There are more children who would still like a Young Eagles flight. There are more pilots who would be willing to participate. All we have to do is ask them to join the fun. Recently, Young Eagle Pilot John Schmidt of Lindstrom, Minn., pointed out an interesting fact. Yet, when you really get down to it, time is getting short.