Story ID: 
Eagles program soars in first quarter
By: Gordon Gilbert
Caption: More than 10,000 young people received their introductory airplane rides in the first three months of this year, the strongest three months in the history 
Word Count: 119
More than 10,000 young people received their introductory airplane rides in the first three months of this year, the strongest three months in the history of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program. Launched in 1992, the program’s goal is to provide airplane rides for one million young people (aged eight to 17 years) before the 100th anniversary of powered flight on Dec. 17, 2003. To date, more than 780,000 Young Eagle rides have been donated by pilots worldwide. Showing its support, Phillips 66 contributes free fuel for Young Eagle flights. Steve Buss, executive director of Young Eagles, said pilots who donate the flights have stepped up their efforts, in part, “to show the importance of a vibrant general aviation community to the nation.”