June 28, 2005:  Members of the public and the media are invited to greet Boise pilot Jared Aicher as he returns home Friday after successfully completing Phase I of “The Eagle Flight”.

Aicher has spent 33 days traveling across the country, giving free flights to kids through this charity project.

The response has been phenomenal.

Aicher flew over 100 children during his journey, with many more receiving flights courtesy of pilots with the Experimental Aircraft Association in several cities the Eagle Flight stopped in.
 

Aicher says, “It was an incredible opportunity to give back to something that has given so much to me throughout my life. I am looking forward to starting Phase II.”

After some much needed rest, Aicher will start planning his next feat—a journey around the world next year, with the same goal of getting young people interested in aviation.

People are invited to welcome Jared back home, this Friday, July 1st at 3:00 p.m. at the Boise Executive Terminal at the Boise Airport.

 

May 27, 2005:  The time has finally arrived and Phase I of our journey will begin shortly.  At 8 a.m. on Saturday May 28, the Eagle Flight, along with Utah Valley State College will depart Boise, Idaho and commence our 33 day journey throughout North America.  The entire Eagle Flight team would like to thank everyone who has made this incredible project a reality.  With out the support of our sponsors and volunteers, this project would  have never become what it is today.  Please check in often and follow Jared and the Eagle Flight team on this historic endeavor.  We hope to see you at one of our stops soon.  Clear skies!    

 

May 22, 2005:  The weather finally cleared after nearly a month of rain in southwest Idaho for the kick off Young Eagle rally held in Nampa, Idaho on Saturday, May 21.  Pilots from Ontario, Oregon's EAA chapter 837 assisted EAA chapter 103 pilots in giving over 150 Young Eagle flights and introducing the wonderful world of flight.  The Eagle Flight team would like to thank all the volunteers that came out Saturday and we look forward to working with you all again in the future.

 

  The final week's count down has begun and the team is going to be extremely busy with final preparations.  Jared will be departing Saturday, May 28th from the Executive Terminal in Boise, Idaho at 8 a.m. and you are invited to come out and join him as he embarks on this incredible journey.  For more information, please e-mail us at info@theeagleflight.org.     

 

   We would like to announce that Utah Valley State College, one of our major supporters, will accompany the Eagle Flight team for the entire U.S.A. route. They will follow us in their new Diamond Star aircraft and will be promoting the EAA's Aeroscholars program at each stop. This program allows high school students to take aviation related electives while receiving college credit. For more information on the Aeroscholars program, visit the EAA's website (www.eaa.org) or contact Utah Valley State College representative Dustin Berlin at (888) 901-7192, or visit their website at
www.globalaviationdegree.com. 

 

May 16, 2005: Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 21, 2005! Nampa EAA chapter 103 is hosting a Young Eagle rally at the Nampa airport from 8am to 2pm, conditions pending, to kick off The Eagle Flight's 2005 United States and Caribbean tour. If you know of a child between the ages 8 and 17 years old that might enjoy a FREE
airplane ride over the Treasure Valley, be sure and let them know about this great opportunity. For more information, please call Jared at (208) 713-2519 or e-mail him at jared@theeagleflight.org. For more information about the local Nampa EAA chapter, please visit www.eaa103.org.

We would like to announce that Utah Valley State College, one of our major supporters, will accompany the Eagle Flight team for the entire U.S.A. route. They will follow us in their new Diamond Star aircraft and will be promoting the EAA's Aeroscholars program at each stop. This program allows high school students to take aviation related electives while receiving college credit. For more information on the Aeroscholars program, visit the EAA's website (www.eaa.org) or contact Utah Valley State College representative Dustin Berlin at (888) 901-7192, or visit their website at
www.globalaviationdegree.com.

 

May 5, 2005: Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 21, 2005! Nampa EAA chapter 103 is hosting a Young Eagle rally at the Nampa airport from 8am to 2pm to kick off The Eagle Flight’s 2005 U.S. and Caribbean tour. If you know of a child between the ages 8 and 17 years old that might enjoy a FREE
airplane ride over the Treasure Valley, be sure and let them know about this great opportunity. For more information, please call Jared at (208) 713-2519 or e-mail him at jared@theeagleflight.org. For more information about the local Nampa EAA chapter, please visit www.eaa103.org.

We would also like to announce that Utah Valley State College, one of our major supporters, will accompany the Eagle Flight team for the entire U.S.A. route. They will follow us in their new Diamond Star aircraft and will be promoting the EAA's Aeroscholars program at each stop. This program allows high school students to take aviation related electives while receiving college credit. For more information on the Aeroscholars program, visit the EAA's website (www.eaa.org) or contact Utah Valley State College representative Dustin Berlin at (888) 901-7192, or visit their website at
www.globalaviationdegree.com.
 

April 29, 2005:  May is right around the corner and the final route is now confirmed and in place.  Some of our original cities we wanted to stop at were unable to help us due to a lack of people available or other miscellaneous reasons.  As with any major project, many volunteers were needed to help make this project a success and all of us here at the Eagle Flight would like to thank everyone involved.  Please look at the route page for the final details.  Welcome aboard EAA chapters in Wenatchee, WA and Grand Rapids, MI!   

 

We would also like to announce that Utah Valley State College, one of our major supporters, will accompany the Eagle Flight team for the entire U.S.A. route.  They will follow us in their new Diamond Star aircraft and will be promoting the EAA's Aeroscholars program at each stop.  This program allows high school students to take aviation related electives while  receiving college credit.  For more information on the Aeroscholars program, visit the EAA's website (www.eaa.org) or contact Utah Valley State College representative Dustin Berlin at (888) 901-7192, or visit their website at www.globalaviationdegree.com.       

 

April 21, 2005:  The Eagle Flight team added two new cities to it's 2005 tour this past week.  Ft. Meyers, Florida will host the Eagle Flight crew on June 11th for National Young Eagles Day.

EAA Chapter 66, of Ft Meyers, FL, will be kicking off it's Young Eagle program with a day of free flights for youth and other aviation related events.  The Eagle Flight Team will also be offering free flights on the morning of June 28 in  Albuquerque, New Mexico as well.  Our sponsor, West Mesa Aviation will host a Young Eagle event that day and also perform routine maintenance on the aircraft as we pass though.  

 

   We would also like to announce that Utah Valley State College, one of our major supporters, will accompany the Eagle Flight team for the entire U.S.A. route.  They will follow us in their new Diamond Star aircraft and will be promoting the EAA's Aeroscholars program at each stop.  This program allows high school students to take aviation related electives while  receiving college credit.  For more information on the Aeroscholars program, visit the EAA's website (www.eaa.org) or contact Utah Valley State College representative Dustin Berlin at (888) 901-7192, or visit their website at www.globalaviationdegree.com.       

 

April 17, 2005:  It is with sadness that we report that quadruple Earthrounder Bob Reiss passed away this morning in California.  Bob was an active member of The Earthrounders and was in preparations for his 5th circumnavigation of the globe in a turbo Bonanza. Bob was an active Eagle Flight sponsor and will be remembered as an adventurer and a friend.  Our sincere condolences to his family.
God Speed Bob.  

 

   The Eagle Flight team would like to welcome West Mesa Aviation, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, to our team!  West Mesa Aviation will be providing the Cessna 172M for Phase I, which will carry the Eagle Flight team more than 10,513 miles this summer!  It's companies like West Mesa Aviation that keep the spirit of aviation alive.  Thank you and welcome aboard!  For more information on West Mesa Aviation and their flight school, please visit their website at www.where2fly.com.  (West Mesa Aviation is also affiliated with Utah Valley State College.) 

 

  We would also like to announce that Utah Valley State College, one of our major supporters, will accompany the Eagle Flight team for the entire U.S.A. route.  They will follow us in their new Diamond Star aircraft and will be promoting the EAA's Aeroscholars program at each stop.  This program allows high school students to take aviation related electives while receiving college credit.  For more information on the Aeroscholars program, visit the EAA's website (www.eaa.org) or contact Utah Valley State College representative Dustin Berlin at (888) 901-7192, or visit their website at www.globalaviationdegree.com.                

 

April 1, 2005:  Two new sponsors joined the Eagle Flight team this past week.  R&M Steel Company, known for their aviation hangars and buildings worldwide, became a financial sponsor and Zodiac Air Cruisers is supplying the Eagle Flight crew with an emergency life raft for their journey over the Caribbean this summer.  The entire Eagle Flight team would like to welcome both companies aboard and we look forward to working with you both!

 

March 25, 2005:  During the last week, several more EAA chapters have joined the Eagle Flight Team and will host us as we arrive in their cities.  Out of 48 cities in 48 states, we are now only missing 4 EAA hosted cities, which should be on board by the end of next week.  Please visit our route page for the latest updates and to see which cities have been added.

 

  We are now only 2 months away from departure, so check back often for exciting news about our historic journey!        

 

March 14, 2005:  The 2005 Idaho Aviation Festival has come and gone and it's now time to focus on the upcoming departure and Phase I of our historic journey.  We are currently finalizing our Young Eagle efforts at each one of our destination cities as well flight logistics.  Thank you to all the volunteers who are helping with this endeavor.

 

  On Thursday, March 10, 2005, Seattle Avionics joined the Eagle Flight team by sponsoring flight planning software that is out of this world.  Not only does the software help plan your route, but it automatically downloads the most current NOAA weather information to determine the best altitudes based on wind speeds while taking terrain along the entire route into account.  Thank you Seattle Avionics!

 

  Would you like to help sponsor The Eagle Flight project?  The Eagle Flight is still raising the much needed funds for the world flight next year.  Your tax-deductible donation, whether its $5.00 or $1000 will help children between the ages of 8 and 17 soar into the skies!  Did you know that a $100.00 donation will pay for nearly 50 gallons of fuel?  50 gallons of fuel will take the Eagle Flight aircraft nearly 660 miles!

 

March 4, 2005:  The Eagle Flight Market Place officially opened for business on March 2, 2005.  In there you will find Tee shirts, globes, Eagle Flight patches and an order form to purchase your wing name!  Just click on the Market Place link under the Store link and look through our unique items commemorating this historic journey.  All proceeds go directly towards the Eagle Flight fund.

 

  Don't forget that next Thursday the Idaho Aviation Festival begins at the Boise Center on the Grove.  Eagle Flight pilot Jared Aicher is one of two keynote speakers scheduled for the kickoff luncheon and will also be available for questions at Thursday night's Aviation Career Forum.  The Eagle Flight crew will also have a booth between Utah Valley State College and the Army with maps, merchandise, and personnel available to answer your questions regarding the Eagle Flight.  If you have any questions, please call (208) 713-2519.  We hope to see you there! 

 

February 25, 2005:  E-mails have been pouring in from around the country from different Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapters offering assistance and support for The Eagle Flight.  Alexandria, Louisiana EAA chapter has offered to fill our fuel tanks and the Mayor of Show Low, Arizona has offered his personal aircraft to help with  Young Eagle rides as well as two rooms at his house for the Eagle Flight crew, and that’s just the tip of the ice burg.  Many of the EAA chapters have promised to make their airport the best stop on the entire route!  Some are hosting picnics, while others are holding evening barbeques and inviting the public.  We can't thank the EAA volunteers enough for their help on this incredible project, and we look forward to meeting many of you this summer as we begin Phase I of this historic journey. 

 

February 18, 2005:  Don’t forget to put March 10-12 on your calendars!  The Idaho Aviation Festival will be held at the Boise Center on the Grove with great activities happening each day.  Eagle Flight pilot Jared Aicher along with Alan Klapmeier, co-founder and CEO of Cirrus Design, will be guest speakers at the kick off luncheon on March 10 beginning at 11:00 am.  The Eagle Flight will also have a booth next to Utah Valley State College, where we will have our route maps and globes on display, raffle prizes and much, much more!  Please stop by and say hello to the crew and ask any questions you may have.  Retired Lt. Col. Steve Edgar is the keynote speaker for Saturday night’s closing banquet.  He will be sharing his experiences as a pilot for the F-117A Stealth program.  We hope we see you there!

 

February 3, 2005:  The Eagle Flight's route for 2005 is now posted on the route page and a map detailing the route is in the works and will be available very soon.  Jared will be flying a Cessna 172 during Phase I, which will cover North America and many Islands throughout the Caribbean.  This summer alone, over 200 children will receive free flights on behalf of the Eagle Flight project!

 

January 25, 2005:  The Eagle Flight project received it's official non profit (501 c 3) status this week! We have tentatively decided on the aircraft for the flight around the world next spring and will be announcing this decision over the the next couple of months. This new plane will have a fuel range of over 2000 miles and cruise at 235 MPH! With this kind of performance, Jared can completely skip Russia and the Middle East while visiting areas that were previously out of range.

Don't forget to put the Idaho Aviation Festival on your calendars, scheduled for March 10-12. Jared Aicher is one of three keynote speakers scheduled for the opening luncheon. Things are starting to get exciting around here, so be sure to check back often!

 

January 17, 2005:  In early January, 2005, the Eagle Flight team discussed several topics regarding the mission of the project. After Russia denied our request to fly the experimental Escapade through their airspace, we had to come up with a certified aircraft to complete the trip as planned. By doing this, we discarded our original dream of flying the experimental around the world, only to complete the trip on time, and as planned. After our meeting, we decided that we would focus on the original idea, and dream. In order to fly an experimental aircraft around the world, we had to find an aircraft with a range capable of flying around Russia and the volatile Middle East. We are currently looking at a couple of different companies and will make our decision soon. With this new path to follow, we have expanded our journey by focusing on the western hemisphere this summer, while our new plane is being assembled, and will then complete our earth-rounding journey next spring.

Due the expansion of our project, we will be breaking our flight into 2 phases! Phase I (2005) - The Western Hemisphere. Jared and the Eagle Flight crew will travel through the lower 48 United States, and then head south through the Caribbean as far as Brazil, to help promote the Eagle Flight and Young Eagle Program. Phase II (2006) - The World. Jared will then focus on the solo "around the world" element of this project, traveling through Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia, completely skipping Russia and allowing us to bring the "experimental aspect" back into the project.

As you can imagine, any project of this size will have challenges and obstacles to overcome. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it! We appreciate your continuous support and look forward to the incredible journey ahead.

 

January 4, 2005:  T minus 144 days and counting..........  Welcome to 2005!  In the last two weeks, there have been some major changes to the Eagle Flight route and to the aircraft that will be used for our journey.  In late 2004, we received word that Russia will not allow an experimental aircraft into or through their airspace.  With that, we will have to let go of our dream of flying the Escapade and will have to chose a certified aircraft for the trip.  We are currently deciding between two different aircraft.  Ravin Aircraft out of Florida offered us their Piper Commanche and Verde Aviation here in Boise, Idaho have offered us their Piper Seneca II for the trip.  We will be posting our decision next week on our website.

 

  Unfortunately, we will not be able to use Chelton Flight Systems as a sponsor with the new aircraft.  The system they were planning on loaning us was for experimental aircraft only.  We would like to thank them for their offer and we hope to work with them on our next project.     

 

  Because of the money we are saving by not having to build the Escapade, we were able to add 7 more countries to our list, allowing us to offer flights in more than 23 countries!  For more information on the new cities, please visit The Route page.

 

  We would also like to take this time to welcome Aloft Technologies aboard as one of our newest sponsors!  Aloft Technologies designs some of the most light weight and advanced aviation headsets on the market today.

 

  Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks for more news and important updates.           

 

December 27, 2004:  The Eagle Flight team and the Idaho Division of Aeronautics teamed up on December 22 to deliver gifts to approximately 20 children staying at the Boise, Idaho Ronald McDonald house over the 2004 holiday season.  Tammy Schoen with the Idaho Division of Aeronautics gathered gifts that were left over from last years Idaho Aviation Festival and pilot Jared Aicher and project manager Kerri Widmer delivered them to the staff of the Ronald McDonald house, who then distrubuted the gifts among the children.  Thanks to everyone who helped with the project!

 

  The Eagle Flight team will be making a major announcement on Wednesday, January 5 about Jared's upcoming circumnavigation of the globe.  Be sure to check back for the exciting news.  The new year ahead is going to be one full of surprises and records being set.  Happy New Year!       

 

December 14, 2004:  During the past week, two additional sponsors have joined The Eagle Flight team.  Globalstar will provide the airtime for Jared's satellite phone system and Rosen Sunvisor Systems will provide Jared's aircraft with state of the art sunvisors.  Welcome aboard!  The Eagle Flight team would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the project this year and we look forward to the year ahead of us.  Countless people have come together to make this journey a reality, and because of you, over 400 children will leave the earth behind for a short time and reach for the stars.  Again, thank you to everyone, and have a great holiday season!

December 6, 2004:  Geneva Aviation joined the Eagle Flight's sponsorship team this past week!  They will provide Jared with a satellite phone, making it possible for him to keep in touch with the rest of the world during his three month journey. Sign up today for the Eagle Flight's Monthly Newsletter!  Keep up to date on the trip, and get all the latest news and information including progress on the building of the plane, special events and sponsorship updates.  Send an email to: info@theeagleflight.org to join our mailing list! 

 

November 27, 2004:  The Eagle Flight team has added another name to our growing list of sponsors this past week.  Artist Jim Belliveau of Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada will design the paint scheme  for The Eagle Flights Escapade aircraft to be flown around the world.  Jim has designed the paint scheme for the Canadian Forces CF-18 demo team for the last few years and does an incredible job.  Welcome aboard Jim!

 

November 15, 2005:  Last Friday's first Eagle Flight recipient, 15 year old Brian Pope, had to wait until Sunday, November 14, 2004 to soar into the skies over southern Idaho.  Fog had settled into the valley last week but finally lifted over the weekend allowing Jared and Brian to take off Sunday afternoon for a one hour flight, where Brian did most of the flying.  Everyone from the Eagle Flight wishes Brian good luck in his endeavors and aviation goals.

 

  The Eagle Flight's Night for Flight fund raiser had a great turn out and we would like to thank everyone who participated in the event.  The Eagle Flight staff would also like to thank the Micron Foundation who made it possible for two individuals to take flight on Sunday afternoon through a generous donation.    

 

November 3, 2004:  The winner of The Eagle Flight's first Young Eagle flight has been chosen!  15 year old Brian Pope will soar into the sky on the morning of November 12th with pilot Jared Aicher on a one hour flight high above the Treasure Valley.  Brian and his family will also receive complimentary tickets to the Eagle Flight's Night for Flight fund raiser and aviation event on November 13.  Brian was nominated by his high school counselor and wishes to persue his dream of flight well into the future.  Congratulations to Brian from the entire Eagle Flight team!

 

October 26, 2004:  Tickets are now on sale for The Eagle Flight's "Night for Flight" fund raiser.  Former NASA Astronaut Rick Searfoss will be the keynote speaker for the evening and we will be holding a silent auction and dance with music provided by Score the Floor.  Call (208) 713-2519 for tickets or visit our events page for more information on this incredible event.   

October 21, 2004:  Col. Rick Searfoss, a former NASA Astronaut, will be speaking at the Eagle Flight's "Night for Flight" fund raiser about his aviation career and the steps he took to becoming one of the few people lucky enough to orbit the earth aboard one of NASA's Space Shuttles.  Col. Searfoss will also be available to answer any questions you may have about the space program and to sign autographs!  For more information on Col. Searfoss, please visit his website at www.astronautspeaker.com.  Please check back over the next few days for more exciting news to be released soon!

October 17, 2004:  Staff from The Eagle Flight project and Utah Valley State College met this past week, including the President, Vice Presidents and the budget director to discuss their involvement with this historic trip.  It was agreed that the university’s Aviation Science Department will help sponsor The Eagle Flight!  We will keep you posted as more information becomes available. 

October 9, 2004:  The Eagle Flight received final approval from the Experimental Aircraft Association this past week, paving the way for over 400 children worldwide to receive a free flight and become a Young Eagle member.  Eight children at each stop along the route of flight will be offered a free flight with pilot Jared Aicher, half of which will be offered to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and other youth related charities.    

Tickets for The Eagle Flight's Halloween VIP party, sponsored by SaskEnergy, on October 30 in Saskatoon, Canada are on sale this week as well as tickets for the Night for Flight fundraiser to be held on November 13th in Boise, Idaho.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (306) 242-7896 or (208) 713-2519.

Only 450 tickets are available for The Eagle Flight's Night for Flight fundraiser, so be sure and reserve yours now! 

September 28, 2004:  Virgin Atlantic Airways (www.virginatlantic.com) joined the growing list of sponsors for The Eagle Flight on September 27, 2004.  Virgin Atlantic, owned by aviation entrepreneur Richard Branson, will provide air travel between New York City and London for the Eagle Flight's public relations and media department to cover Jared's arrival in the United Kingdom.  Richard Branson also signed on with aviation and space travel pioneer Burt Rutan this past weekend to form Virgin Galactic Airways (www.virgingalactic.com), dedicated to offering an affordable, orbital experience to space tourists by the end of the decade!  

Also in the past week, Boise based news radio station KBOI(www.670kboi.com) signed on as the local radio media sponsor for The Eagle Flight.  Beginning in early November, KBOI (670am) will be broadcasting the latest news on The Eagle Flight, so be sure and tune in!

September 24, 2004:  Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapter 103 (www.eaa103.org), located  in Nampa, Idaho, has invited The Eagle Flight ground crew to use the Shep-Rock Aviation Center, also home to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), to build the Escapade aircraft that will be flown around the world next summer on it's historic flight.  Our thanks goes out to both organizations for this generous offer, and we look forward to working with you both.  

September 23, 2004:  Utah Valley State College (www.uvsc.edu) will be attending The Eagle Flight's  Night for Flight on Saturday, November 13th, 2004.  If you are a student or a parent of a student interested in a career in aviation, please be sure and attend our event.  For more information, please see out events page or call (208) 713-2519.    

September 15, 2004:  The city of Boise, Idaho has approved a request to park an Escapade aircraft in the middle of downtown Boise on the night of November 13th for The Eagle Flight's Night For Flight.  The aircraft will be parked across from Dawson's Coffee shop on 8th street and available for public viewing.  For more information, please see the events page.