EAA’s Young Eagles Program to receive 2014 Milton Caniff “Spirit of Flight” Award July 30


EAA program founded in 1992 cited for fostering youth interest in flight and careers in aviation; award presentation takes place July 30
at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

(June 26, 2014 – Dayton, OH)  The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) annually presents the Milton Caniff “Spirit of Flight” Award to a group or organization in recognition for its exceptional contributions to the advancement of flight.  Receiving the 2014 honor will be the Young Eagles Program of the Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).

Since its inception in 1992, Young Eagles has consistently proven itself a key driver of introducing young people ages 8 to17 to their first flight, for free, in the U.S. and nearly a hundred other countries.  A veritable air force of over 40,000 volunteer EAA member/pilots has enabled Young Eagles to provide more than 1.8 million young people with a structured and educational flying experience.  Additionally, Young Eagles’ ancillary programs and scholarships further support young peoples’ interest in continuing their flight experience and exploring aviation career opportunities.

Representatives of the NAHF Board of Trustees will formally present the 2014 Milton Caniff “Spirit of Flight” Award at the Young Eagles Dinner held at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 on Wednesday, July 30.  Among those accepting the award will be the current Young Eagles Chairman, aerobatic pilot and air show performer Sean D. Tucker, a 2008 NAHF Enshrinee.

The NAHF “Spirit of Flight” Award was established in 1981 and renamed for famed American artist, aviation advocate, and NAHF supporter, Milton Caniff, soon after his passing in 1988.  Previous recipients of the prestigious annual honor include the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders, Tuskegee Airmen, Women Airforce Service Pilots, NBAA (National Business Aviation Association), AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) and many others.

About NAHF:
The NAHF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in Dayton in 1962 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1964 with a mission of honoring America’s outstanding air and space pioneers. Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, the NAHF operates a 17,000 square-foot public Learning Center featuring interactive exhibits, a youth education program, its annual enshrinement and other award ceremonies, as well as a variety of public outreach programs.   www.nationalaviation.org.

About EAA:
EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 185,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.

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Media Contact:           

Ron Kaplan
NAHF Enshrinement Director
TEL: (937) 256-0944 x16
CEL: (937) 212-8847
[email protected]