EAA Learn to Fly Week Returns May 13-17, 2025

By David Leiting, EAA Lifetime 579157, Eagles Program Manager

There is no doubt, whether it was at the barbershop or doctor’s office, when you’ve talked about your love for aviation, you’ve been met with this response: “I have always wanted to learn to fly, but….” Or “I started my ground school years ago and took a few lessons, but…”

It is a story as old as time: Aspiring aviators have the desire, but there are extenuating circumstances that are preventing them from pursuing their dream of flight. Here at EAA, we know there is an opportunity to turn these dreamers into doers.

EAA’s mission is to “grow participation in aviation by sharing The Spirit of Aviation.” This mission is fully embraced by EAA’s 300,000-plus members and 900 local chapters. Though we can’t break down every barrier, it is hard to find an organization and group of members more well-equipped to help aspiring aviators find their place in the sky.

Through EAA’s vast library of educational materials and local chapter advocates, the organization is perfectly placed to help grow the pilot population.

To further the efforts of growing the aviation community, EAA Learn to Fly Week, supported by Sporty’s Pilot Shop, is returning on May 13-17, 2025!

The third iteration of EAA Learn to Fly Week will be slightly condensed, as the webinar portion of the week will consist of three straight days of educational and interactive webinars. Topics will range from how to get started in flight training to tips for passing the FAA written exam, how to save time and money in flight training, strategies for the checkride, pinch-hitter presentations, and so much more!

Representatives from EAA, Sporty’s Pilot Shop, Redbird, TakeFlight Interactive, and designated pilot examiners from across the country will be presenting this wide range of webinars. Following each presentation, attendees will have time for Q&A with the presenters.

The final day of Learn to Fly Week, May 17, 2025, will play host to chapter Flying Start events across the country. Flying Start events are open house-style activities that introduce local aspiring pilots to the local knowledge, tools, and connections that they need to accomplish their goal of becoming a pilot.

During the Flying Start event, chapter members will break down the perceived barriers common to the nonaviation community that prevent people from pursuing their pilot certificate.

Following a short presentation from the chapter and local flight instructors about learning to fly, Flying Start attendees are paired with an Eagle Flight mentor pilot for a free introductory flight. At the conclusion of the flight, the attendee will be provided with a free six-month trial EAA membership!

Flying Start participants will walk away from the event with an “I can do this” point of view, and a clear understanding of “how flying can fit into my life,” and “what I can do with this hobby.”

Equally as important as the information and motivation, Flying Start attendees will also have a chance to connect with their local aviation community, specifically their EAA chapter.

As important as general education is, the connection to a supportive community like an EAA chapter is invaluable. EAA chapters are perfectly positioned to act like mentors to aviation newcomers and stay engaged in their aviation journey.

As the Ray Aviation Scholarship program has demonstrated, the support from an EAA chapter can drastically increase the odds of someone completing flight training.

The pairing of the virtual presentations with the in-person activities at the local airport should provide aspiring pilots with the perfect mix of educational information, inside knowledge on the local flying environment, connections to helpful mentors at the local EAA chapter, and the inspiration from the Eagle Flight to pursue their dream of flight!

Is your chapter interested in hosting a Flying Start event?

Hosting a Flying Start event gives your chapter the opportunity to welcome, encourage, and educate new aviation enthusiasts about the fun, freedom, and accessibility of personal aviation. This is also a great chapter recruitment opportunity!

And if growing your chapter and the aviation community wasn’t enough of an incentive, EAA is offering chapters that host a Flying Start event two weekly wristbands to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025. Flying Start events must have at least 5 attendees to qualify.

Start planning your Flying Start Event by visiting

Start planning your Flying Start Event by visiting EAA.org/FlyingStart.

To assist with your planning, EAA will be hosting a webinar, “Grow Your Chapter and the Aviation Community – Host a Flying Start Event,” on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 7 p.m. CDT. Sign Up Now >

To learn more about Learn to Fly Week and get involved, visit EAA.org/LearnToFly.