Hello All,
I have flown only a few Y.E.(got the patch and the letter from HQ), BUT, I do not need those trinkets to tell me I am a
good Ambassador for General Aviation. I have flown many more people as an individual plane owner and enthusiast then as a
Y.E. program participant.
I as an individual incur the same Liability, wear and tear on the plane and time spent whether a fun flight or a EAA sanctioned program flight.
However, with the non sanctioned fun flight, I, as a pilot and plane owner can vet WHO is going into my plane (something this program does NOT do).
I have found that after a Y.E. flight MOST people simply walk away from their childs free airplane ride with the thought of "that was a cool way to spend a
couple of hours" and are not heard from again.
When I personally take someone on a non-EAA sanctioned flight I KNOW who they are.
I know them because:


1. They are a friend. Maybe they have never flown in a small plane and would like to see their local area from altitude.


2. They are an acquaintance.I talk about flying ALL THE TIME. On social media or face to face SOMETHING always has me turn the conversation to flying
and what a great feeling and freedom it provides. I invite them for a flight.


My point is that after flying someone I know, even only casually, there is a STRONGER bond made and repeat flights are the norm NOT the exception.
Those people may not go on to obtain a license BUT they are now advocates for our area airport.
I do not think I will continue Y.E. flights as I can do the same thing without the hassle on my own.