EAA Chapter 973 International Young Eagles Day 2026
By Team 973, Jack Taylor Airport, Krugersdorp
13.06.2026
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Our March Young Eagles "trial event" was an excellent opportunity to test systems and procedures that were new to EAA Chapter 973. Although some of our members had previous Young Eagles experience, the chapter itself had never hosted a Young Eagles Day. With 38 children flown in March, we proved that we could do it. Today's International Young Eagles Day confirmed that beyond any doubt.
Planning began well in advance. Chapter members Janine Loubser and JJ Le Grange were tasked with recruiting young participants for the event, and they certainly excelled. Not only did they recruit an impressive number of children, but every detail was meticulously managed. All participants arrived with signed indemnity forms, and name lists were provided beforehand, allowing lanyards and certificates to be prepared in advance.
The well-oiled Chapter 973 team arrived early on the day, with everyone knowing exactly what needed to be done. Vanessa set up the registration desk, where each child received a personalised lanyard. Registration proceeded smoothly before the children were handed over to the dispatch desk, where they were assigned to eager and capable pilots ready for the task ahead.
During the pilots' briefing, conducted by FAKR Safety Officer Reyno Coetzer, pilots were briefed on the route, which consisted of a standard circuit using the N14 as a marker for the downwind leg. Aircraft speeds were restricted to 90 knots.
Runway 26 was initially in use, providing an excellent viewing opportunity for the children who were still waiting for their flights, allowing them to watch their fellow first-time aviators take off and land.
As the morning progressed, the wind shifted in favour of Runway 08. Thanks to the outstanding cooperation between the pilots and EAA marshals, the runway switch was made smoothly and efficiently.
Upon completing their flights, each child was treated to a hot dog, a packet of chips, and a cool drink. The morning concluded with a special presentation ceremony where every participant received a certificate and a set of Young Eagles wings. It was a wonderful sight to see the pride on their faces as they came forward to receive their awards.
By the end of the morning, more than 70 children had experienced the joy of flight for the very first time in a safe and enjoyable environment.
EAA Chapter 973 would like to extend a huge thank you to the more than 20 pilots, aircraft owners, and ground crew volunteers who generously gave their time, expertise, and resources to make this event possible.
As a new chapter on the scene, EAA Chapter 973 hopes that today's event made a small but meaningful contribution to International Young Eagles Day and helped support Mission 2.5 in its goal of flying two-and-a-half million Young Eagles before the opening of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this July. We are proud of the fact that not only are we a very active chapter, but we have proved that we are also a “can-do” chapter!
