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U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. – March 22, 2006 – My aviation involvement began in Racine, Wis., when I was in Boy Scout Troop 400, working on the Aviation Merit Badge. I had been interested in airplanes long before, but this was the first time I had actually gotten a chance to actively pursue the interest. It was then that I got my first EAA Young Eagles ride, which was with Warren Levin.
When I became an Eagle Scout and was old enough, I joined the Aviation Explorer post sponsored by EAA Chapter 838. I was 14 at the time, and it was one of the best experiences I have had to date.
I was able to learn about the many different kinds of aviation opportunities I would have in the future. I was given the chance to do so many things. We saw the control tower at O'Hare, took trips to the Air Force museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, (where I will be returning this summer to work for the Air Force's Center for Aircraft Structural Lifetime Extension) and toured different airlines’ maintenance facilities. The most fun, of course, was working at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for many years at the Aviation Explorer Base until my military commitments prevented me from doing so. This past summer I was gladly able to return.
During my time as an Aviation Explorer, I was able to earn my Private Pilot’s license and even give rides to nine Young Eagles. A number, which hopefully will be going up in the near future.
While at the Air Force Academy, I have had a number of other awesome opportunities in the aviation realm. I was able to participate in both the Academy's soaring program, where I was able to solo a TG-10B, earn my military jump wings in the Free Fall program, and I have become a Cadet Aviation Instructor, teaching other cadets basic military flying procedures in a Frasca T-6 simulator. I have even had the chance to fly in Army Blackhawks, F-16D, F-15E and the T-6 Texan II.
During my free time, when I am not skiing, I have made an attempt to get involved with EAA Chapter 72. In that process I became involved in International Aerobatics Club 5, doing as much as I can with the little free time we are given.
The Young Eagles program has given me great experiences. I think the whole idea of the program is outstanding because it gives people like me an opportunity to enter into the aviation community. It is basically a foot in the door. If a young person who participates in the program shows enough interest and initiative, I am pretty sure there is not one pilot who would not try and help the child get deeper into the flying community. That is why I make every effort I can to attempt to give back. Since flying has become a challenge at school, I volunteer at Young Eagle rallies doing whatever I can to help out.
Very Respectfully,
C2C James Baker
CS 10 Tigers
"look up and see down...."
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Cadet 2nd Class James Baker pauses for a picture following a basic free fall jump.
Cadets Brett Vongroven and James Baker at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.
Are you a former Young Eagle who has a story to share? Let us know. What are you up to? How did your Young Eagles experience influence you? Send your letters and photos to the EAA Young Eagles Office.
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