EAA Launches Mission 2.5 to Inspire Youth Through Aviation by Oshkosh 2026, What You Need to Know

03 Oct 2025 By travelandtourworld

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has launched Mission 2.5 with a clear vision and the Experimental Aircraft Association is determined to achieve it. The initiative called Mission 2.5 has been created to inspire young aviators while aiming for 2.5 million Young Eagles flights by Oshkosh 2026. The program, known worldwide as the Young Eagles program, has already introduced aviation to millions of children and now the new campaign will take this legacy to the next level. The EAA leadership has explained that Mission 2.5 is not just about a number; it is about giving youth a first flight that can spark lifelong passion for aviation. Moreover, Oshkosh 2026 has been chosen as the milestone celebration where this achievement will be honoured. By repeating the goals, the Experimental Aircraft Association emphasizes its commitment to aviation education, ensuring that Mission 2.5 and Oshkosh 2026 remain central to inspiring the next generation of pilots.

The Young Eagles program, created in 1992, has provided more than 2.4 million flight experiences to children aged 8 to 17. According to the organization, the latest data showed that 2,453,776 Young Eagles flights had already been completed since the programÃ¢Â€Â™s inception, with approximately 200 more added within a single 24-hour period. The campaign has been described as a major push to cross the symbolic 2.5 million mark in less than a year.

In a statement, EAA CEO Jack Pelton emphasized that the Young Eagles flights that began in 1992 had already inspired multiple generations of pilots. It was explained that the program had introduced young people to the experience of aviation and had allowed them to imagine future careers in flight. Pelton stated that EAA members were now being called upon to help the association reach the milestone within 10 months, with the achievement scheduled to be celebrated at Oshkosh in July 2026.

Additional incentives have been outlined for local EAA chapters. Chapters that successfully recruit new volunteer pilots to participate in Young Eagles activities will be eligible for extra credits. These credits can be applied toward valuable resources such as covering tuition fees for attendees at the EAA Air Academy residence camp. The policy has been introduced to encourage both pilot engagement and chapter involvement while ensuring a continued pipeline of youth interested in aviation.

Young Eagles chairman Jimmy Graham, a retired NFL All-Pro tight end, noted that while many children were eager to participate, additional pilots remained a constant requirement. He remarked that aviation often begins with a single inspirational flight and encouraged aviators to take part in the initiative. Graham highlighted that the willingness of pilots to fly Young Eagles could have long-lasting effects on the lives of participants, who may eventually pursue aviation careers as a result.

The Young Eagles program has always been promoted as a free initiative. It offers children and teenagers between the ages of eight and seventeen their first experience in a general aviation aircraft. Flights have been recorded on every continent except Antarctica and have taken place in a wide variety of aircraft, ranging from small general aviation airplanes to corporate jets and hot-air balloons.

The program has expanded over the years to provide more than just a flight experience. Young participants are granted access to SportyÃ¢Â€Â™s Pilot Shop Learn to Fly Course, an online private pilot ground school, at no cost. This opportunity has been designed to serve as an educational pathway for those who wish to continue exploring aviation after their introductory flight.

Earlier this month, a new development was announced with the launch of the Young Eagles Connect portal. This resource pairs aspiring pilots with mentors who may include their Young Eagles pilot or members of a local EAA chapter. The initiative has been structured to provide continuous support during the educational journey, offering guidance, encouragement and expertise as young people advance toward greater aviation knowledge.

Since its creation, the Young Eagles program has been recognized as the largest youth aviation initiative in the world. The mission has been driven by volunteer pilots and aviation enthusiasts who are committed to opening the skies to future generations. The EAA has emphasized that the upcoming milestone is not only about numbers but also about strengthening the bridge between established aviators and those who may one day become pilots themselves.

The Mission 2.5 campaign has been structured as a reminder of the long-standing impact created by aviation outreach programs. By calling on its membership, the Experimental Aircraft Association has positioned itself to achieve a record that will be highlighted during one of the aviation industryÃ¢Â€Â™s most prominent gatherings, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026.