Young Eagles and Background Security Checks
I assume all Chapter leaders got the memo, and members will be informed shortly. Apparently we are all required to take an online education course and pass a criminal background check before volunteering at a future Young Eagles event.
The online course is no big deal, basic EAA policy guidance about adult supervision, supervision of adults, and similar. I've already taken it.
However, I stopped at the online application for a criminal background check. In the Age of Hacking, we're all taught that we should never submit our name, DOB, and SSN online. Even if legit, most companies have a miserable record at protecting data. So who the heck is this hired background security check company, and why should I trust them with personal data fundamental to identity theft?
My letter to the YE Office
I received my letter last night. My first reaction was, "This seems excessive, but I'll wait to hear more information on January 21st."
I then received my first call from an active YE pilot, telling me he will not be flying YE anymore because of this. I know he would easily pass the background check, because he has already passed many such checks through his job and other activities.
I sent the following email to the YE Office today:
________________________________________
Young Eagles Staff,
I received your letter announcing new training and background check requirements for Young Eagles volunteers yesterday.
In the letter, it states that more information will be provided in the January 21st e-newsletter.
Please include an explanation of EXACTLY why this has become a requirement for volunteering, how Young Eagle Coordinators will be able to confirm compliance during a Rally, and strategies on how to recruit and retain volunteer pilots and ground volunteers in the shadow of this additional burden.
My biggest concern is a potentially significant loss of support from within the Young Eagles volunteer community and the inability to "instantly" recruit pilots and ground volunteers during a rally.
Unlike in actual Youth organizations, Young Eagles pilot volunteers interact with young people for only 10-15 minutes while simultaneously operating an aircraft. In addition, all interaction on the ground occurs with a parent or guardian present in a public setting.
Also, unlike actual Youth organizations, a large majority of Young Eagles volunteers are casual volunteers; limiting their involvement to taking a few young people for a flight on a sunny morning or coming out to the airport to help collect forms. This is in contrast to Scouting or Boys/Girls Club volunteers, who organize weekly meetings with young people and invest significant time planning and executing substantial education programs and multiple-day trips.
I find it difficult to believe that the extremely low risk of abuse occurring during a Young Eagles flight experience justifies the implementation of requirements that will significantly reduce volunteer involvement.
EAA has always promoted the idea of education over regulation. This new MANDATORY training and background check seems to fly in the face of this philosophy.
I sincerely hope that the January 21st e-newsletter provides both justification and clarity regarding this new training and background check requirement.
Regards,
Edward J. Myers
President, EAA Chapter 1414
__________________________________________________ ______
I then received an email from EAA this evening entitled "Important Message From the EAA Chapter Office". In the email it states, "This policy keeps EAA in step with best practices that are common in youth education and recreation programs throughout the nation, ranging from scout programs to youth sports leagues."
There was no mention of a legal requirement, a response to an incident involving Young Eagles, or an insurance cost penalty that has driven this decision. Yet EAA is prepared to spend a significant amount of OUR money on this program with no tangible benefit to either the members or the organization.
I am seriously considering severing my involvement with the Young Eagles program, and possibly resigning my leadership position at my chapter.
If I decide to do either or both, I will first complete the training, background check, and receive my card to prove that I have nothing to hide.
I certainly hope that tomorrow's edition of e-Hotline provides better justification for this than "keeps EAA in step with best practices that are common in youth education and recreation programs"