What is the Naples Youth Aviation Project?
Members of Naples EAA Chapter 1067 recognized that local youth who have an interest in aviation needed a way to access the aviation world where they could begin acquiring the knowledge and skills to lead them into future careers. Members of Chapter 1067, including pilots, aircraft mechanics, aircraft builders and restorers, will share their expertise and guide a group of 20 youngsters through the process of building an aircraft from start to finish.
Build
Participants will put their STEM studies to practical use as our knowledgeable EAA mentors guide them through the journey of building an experimental aircraft.
Fly
Throughout the build, Naples’ own EAA Chapter 1067 will provide flight experiences through the Young Eagles program and use of EAA's Virtual Flight Academy simulators.
Learn
Aeronautics, mechanics, engineering and technology will all be employed during the build. Project planning, teamwork, tool safety, and commitment to a long term project.
Lead
NYAP alum should be able to confidently pursue the Ray Aviation Scholarship Fund available to EAA youth, and go on to seek a career in one of the many areas of aviation.
The Build
Participants will build a Sling 2 model aircraft; a 2-seat, low wing all-metal aircraft, powered by a 100-horsepower Rotax 912iS engine. The aircraft was designed by The Airplane Factory in Johannesburg, South Africa and has become a popular model for the amateur aircraft builder. It is a high-quality kit that produces a conventional airplane with great handling characteristics and operating capabilities.
Meet EAA Chapter 1067
Chapter 1067 Naples, Inc. is the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Our chapter was founded in 1994 and has operated continuously at the Naples Airport.
Our members are aviation enthusiasts of every age group, including many airline and commercial pilots, engineers, business people and even astronauts. They enjoy all types of airplanes, including "experimental" aircraft, those aircraft built by individual craftsmen, rather than in a factory. "Experimental" refers to the category of aircraft designed by the FAA for these types of airplanes. Similar to standard category aircraft, experimental aircraft are inspected and certified airworthy by the FAA.
Our Mentors and Volunteers
All mentors for the Naples Youth Aviation Project and our Young Eagles program are volunteers and members of Chapter 1067. Hard work and dedication of volunteers is the primary reason why the Young Eagles continues to be a success in building the next generation of aviators.
The EAA has set for a Youth Protection Policy and Program with basic requirements for volunteers who work with children under age 18. It includes online best-practices training and a basic background check. All volunteer mentors in the Naples Youth Aviation Project have complied with these requirements.
