EAA
Chapter 952
The Verde Valley Leader in Sport Aviation
Serving the Verde Valley and Sedona
How We Serve the Verde Valley
We are a group of aviation enthusiasts, aircraft builders, and pilots who get together with like minded people to share ideas, exchange information, encourage safety, serve the local aviation community and have a lot of fun doing so.
Come See Us
Chapter Meeting
First Tuesday of the Month
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Social -- 6 to 6:30PM
- Gathering -- 6:30 to 8PM
- Young Eagles -
Kids Fly For Free
Launched in 1992, the Young Eagles program has dedicated more than 25 years to giving youth ages 8–17 their first free ride in an airplane.
It’s the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation.
Today, more than 2 million young people have enjoyed a free introductory flight through the Young Eagles program. These flights are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.
Join us in offering each child, tween and teen the opportunity to experience the Spirit of Aviation by becoming a Young Eagles volunteer today!
Next Young Eagle Rally - April 29, 2023
Click Here to Register
FAQs - Parents/Legal Guardians for Young Eagle Flights in Cottonwood
Where can you get free airplane rides for kids?
Is it really free?
What should my kids wear?
Should my kids eat breakfast before the flight?
What time should we show up for our scheduled flight?
Do I have to register or can I just show up and get my kid on a flight?
Can my kids take pictures during the flight?
Can I go run errands while my kids are flying?
Can I watch my kid’s flight?
How long will the flight last?
What if I have other questions?
Children between the ages of 8 and 17 can get a free airplane ride at an EAA Young Eagles Flight Rally held at the Cottonwood Airport at 1003 West Mingus Avenue. Events are typically held each spring and fall (April and October). Look for event advertisement in the Cottonwood Community Calendar and the EAA Chapter 952 Facebook page for specific dates.
Is it really free?
Absolutely. The pilots are volunteering their time and aircraft with the intent of introducing kids to aviation. The Young Eagles Program is part of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). All pilots are EAA members and have taken training to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight for your child. More information about the Program is available at the EAA Young Eagle website.
Only a parent or legal guardian can give permission for a child to participate in the flight rally. If there are special circumstances, please contact the Young Eagles Coordinator before the event at YECottonwoodAZ@gmail.com for special arrangements for advance paperwork.
Can my younger child (less than 8 years old) fly with their siblings?
Unfortunately, no. Due to the insurance that we have for the event, we can only accept children between the ages of 8 and 17 years. We cannot fly parents or any siblings outside of this age range. We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment.
What should my kids wear?
We recommend long pants and closed toe shoes for the best comfort for their flights. It’s typically warm in the cockpit of the aircraft so there is no need for an extra jacket. Also, a hat with a visor and/or sunglasses are good to keep the sun out of your eyes in flight.
Should my kids eat breakfast before the flight?
It's best to be hydrated and to have nothing more than a light breakfast before flying. Plastic airsick bags are available at the registration desk if you think your child may get airsick. Also, please make sure that your child has had an opportunity to use the rest room at the Terminal Building before leaving on their flight.
What time should we show up for our scheduled flight?
Your child’s flight will be at the registered time slot you signed up for on YoungEaglesDay.org. Please know that this schedule is subject to change and we will do our best to keep you informed about any changes at least by the day before the rally. This flight is not like a commercial flight in many ways. There is no need to show up more than about 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled flight time. This will give you enough time to find parking and for your kid to use the restroom, if needed. If you are late for your flight, you may be rescheduled if additional opportunities are available.
Do I have to register or can I just show up and get my kid on a flight?
We do accept unregistered kids if there is an opening due to a no show. In addition, all registered kids are provided the front seat, next to the pilot for their flight. If there are kids on the waiting list, they will be offered a back seat in the planes that have one available. Most all of the aircraft we use for the Rally have 2 or 4 seats.
Can my kids take pictures during the flight?
Yes. Young Eagles are welcome to take pictures with the camera on a cell phone or with a traditional camera. Unlike commercial flights, there are no restrictions for cell phones in general aviation aircraft.
Can I go run errands while my kids are flying?
No. Please do not leave the Airport area during your child's flight. Parents are required by our insurance policy to stay at the airport during their child’s flight. When you arrive, you will sign a permission form for your kids to participate. We need to have permission from a parent or legal guardian for each child to fly.
Can I watch my kid’s flight?
Parents can accompany their children to the plane with the pilot and take pictures, but cannot fly with their child. A volunteer escort will accompany parents back to the Terminal Building while your child takes their flight. You will be able to see parts of the takeoff and landing of the flight from the Terminal Building area.
How long will the flight last?
The flight will be about 20 to 30 minutes. One hour of time is allotted for each child for completing consent paperwork, meeting your child’s pilot and learning about the airplane he or she will be flying in, taking the flight, and getting a logbook, certificate, and picture taken after the flight. If your child has flown on a Young Eagle flight before, please bring the logbook they got for that prior flight and we can add to it. We can also provide another logbook if the original logbook cannot be located.
What if I have other questions?
There are volunteer ground crew at the event who can answer your questions or direct you to someone who can. Please contact YECottonwoodAZ@gmail.com if you have additional questions before the event. Thanks for your interest in this event for your child. We hope to provide a memorable experience for them.
Join the members of Chapter 952 for quarterly VMC (visual flight rules) Club meetings beginning on May 2nd, in which pilots can network and share knowledge and experience using real-world scenarios. The intent is to foster communications, promote safety, build proficiency, and have a great time doing it! The first meeting will be held at 5:30 pm in the EAA Building in Cottonwood, 1001 W Mingus, Building O. The meetings are free. Advanced registrants can request pizza for $5. Please RSVP to EAAchapter952@gmail.com with Attention Lori. See you there!
2020 Ray Scholarship Winner
Wylie Howe & Private Pilot
Wylie Howe of Camp Verde, Arizona has received a unique full-scholarship opportunity for flight training, thanks to EAA Chapter 952 of the Verde Valley, Arizona and the Ray Aviation Scholarship program administered by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Wylie Howe is a 2020 graduate of Camp Verde High School where he played varsity baseball. He plans to attend Cochise College in Douglas to major in aviation. Having earned his private pilot’s license in May 2021 is a big boost as he starts his college aviation program to earn his commercial pilot’s license.
The Ray Aviation Scholars program provides up to $10,000 scholarships to young people who are pursuing flight training. The Ray Foundation provides $1.2 million annually to fund the scholarship program, which seeks to improve the success rate from the current industry standard of only about 20 percent of those who start flight training earning their pilot’s license, to 80 percent for Scholarship program participants. Local EAA chapters are responsible for identifying local youth for the Ray Aviation Scholarship program and mentoring them through flight training. The Ray Foundation is furthering the legacy of James Ray, an EAA lifetime member who was dedicated to aviation and youth education.
In 2019, the first year of the program, 105 scholars were awarded flight training scholarships. The success rate for those scholars is likely to exceed the goal of 80 percent.
Wylie Howe will be training at Leighnor Aircraft based at the Cottonwood airport, 668 South Airport Road, Hangar #3. The scholarship is designed to support a flight student through both written and practical segments of flight training that are part of successful FAA private pilot certification.
2021 Ray Scholarship Winner
Alek Herman & Private Pilot
Alek Herman & Private Pilot
Alek Herman of Clarkdale, Arizona has received a unique full-scholarship opportunity for flight training, thanks to EAA Chapter 952 of the Verde Valley, Arizona and the Ray Aviation Scholarship program administered by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Alek is a high school senior and is home schooled.
2021 (Our Second!) Ray Scholarship Winner
Jared Deibel
Jared Deibel
Jared Deibel of Flagstaff, Arizona has received a unique full-scholarship opportunity for flight training, thanks to EAA Chapter 952 of the Verde Valley, Arizona and the Ray Aviation Scholarship program administered by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Jared is a high school graduate and was home schooled.
2022 EAA Chapter 952 Scholarship Winner
Coy Dexter
Coy Dexter
Lucas Shook of Cottonwood, Arizona has received the third Sunbirds Scholarship opportunity to increase his exposure to general aviation and encourage his interests in earning a pilot’s license.
Lucas is a recent High School graduate.
EAA Chapter 952 - Who WE ARE
We are a group of aviation enthusiasts, aircraft builders, and pilots who get together with like minded people to share ideas, exchange information, encourage safety, serve the local aviation community and have a lot of fun doing so.
What Our Members Are Building
Doug Wright
Dakato Cub
Dakato Cub
What Our Members Are Flying
Roger and Lori Parker
Piper Aerostar
Jim Redmon
Christavia MK 1
Christavia MK 1
Keith Hendrics
Rans S-7
Rans S-7
Bob Noll
Vans RV-7
Vans RV-7
Bob Noll
Vans RV-10
Vans RV-10
Sid and Mike Haynie
Piper PA-28
Piper PA-28
Sid and Mike Haynie
RV-7A
RV-7A
Meet Our Leadership Team
Larry Battin
President
Larry is a retired Air Force and long-time EAA and Warbirds member. He has owned several homebuilts and general aviation aircraft.
Doug Wright
Vice President
Doug is a retired airline pilot. He is an A&P mechanic who has owned and restored several antique and classic aircraft, and is currently building a Dakota Cub. He has been an EAA member since 1972.
Don Miller
Facility Operations
Don is too a long time general aviation pilot. He manages our Aviation Community Center along with hosting a local pilot coffee each Saturday morning. His wife, Peggy, is our Chapter's official baker and aviation history art director.
Bob O'Connell
Treasurer
Bob has crafted an RV6 and Dragonfly. He’s been flying over 60 years with Airplane & Helicopter ratings. He was involved with the Orange County, CA Chapter 92 for 20 years.
Lori Parker Secretary
Lori is an active GA pilot and has been an EAA member for many years. She and her husband own a Piper Aerostar located in Cottonwood & enjoy flying around our wonderful country. She is also involved with the 99s as the SW Scholarship Chair.
General FAQs
Do I have to be a pilot or building a plane to be an EAA member?
Not at all. We are a group of aviation enthusiasts, aircraft builders, and pilots who get together with like minded people to share ideas, exchange information, encourage safety, serve the local aviation community and have a lot of fun doing so.
How do I get my child registered for your next Young Eagles flight rally?
We will announce on our Facebook page and through target organizations -- schools, Civil Air Patrol, and others.
How do we contact you?
Drop us an email (see below), we have an aviation coffee every Saturday morning at our building (8 to 10:30AM), and we have our monthly meetings the first Tuesday of each month.
