Young Eagles Day

Description

Young Eagles Day will return to the Morgantown Airport (MGW) on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the event, volunteer pilots will provide free introductory airplane rides to children ages 8 to 17 with the permission of a parent or guardian.

Hosted in partnership with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Young Eagles Day is designed to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals by giving young participants a firsthand experience with flight. The program encourages interest in aviation careers while highlighting opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“EAA Chapter 842 is always eager to come back to the Morgantown Municipal Airport for Young Eagles Day,” said Ritchard Judy, Young Eagles Coordinator. “We love giving children from around the Morgantown area the opportunity to take a ride and possibly consider a career in Aviation. We have given over 2000 kids a ride in the past 10 years of doing Young Eagles Day and can't wait to add to that total with this year's event.”

Each flight offers participants a unique aerial view of Morgantown, including familiar landmarks such as Mountaineer Field and the WVU Coliseum. Before and after their flights, children and their families will have the opportunity to learn about aircraft operations, explore the cockpit, examine aeronautical charts and speak with local pilots about how airplanes work and what it takes to fly them. Flights typically last between 15 and 20 minutes and follow a standard flight pattern. You can pre-register at https://www.eaachapters.org/event-details/MW3746OBH. Pre‑registration opens July 29 at 9 a.m. and is limited to the first 150 participants who sign up.

“As both a parent and an engineer, I know how powerful it can be when a young person discovers something that captures their imagination,” said Emily Muzzarelli, Morgantown’s Assistant City Manager and Interim Airport Director at the Morgantown Airport. “One of the best parts of Young Eagles Day is seeing the excitement on a child's face as they step off the airplane after their first flight. Experiences like these can spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire future careers in aviation, engineering, and other STEM fields. We're thankful to our EAA volunteers for sharing their passion for flight and helping young people imagine where their future might take them.”

There is no cost to participate, although registering in advance is encouraged. Young Eagles Day is made possible through the generosity of local EAA volunteers who donate their time, aircraft and expertise to help inspire future generations of aviators.