The EAA Young Eagles Program, now in its 18th year is proudly led by two of aviation’s most well-known pilots, Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles.
Sully and Jeff became the Young Eagles chairmen on September 29, 2009, taking over from former Chairman Harrison Ford. Ford, the well-known actor and aviator, had served as Chairman since 2004.
The new chairmen bring a message of teamwork and training to the Young Eagles program. A message reflected in their spectacular “Miracle on the Hudson” water landing of their stricken USAirways Flight 1549 Airbus A320 in January 2008.
Both Chairmen look forward to taking an active role in the Young Eagles program and will participate in the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Fly-In.
You can learn more about Sully and Jeff by clicking the links on the right.
Sully Sullenberger’s Bio
Captain Sullenberger holds an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) which is the highest level of commercial pilot certification. With more than 40 years of flying experience and 19,000 hours of flight time, Captain Sullenberger is among the most qualified airline pilots in the world. Before his retirement, h was flying the Airbus 320 family of aircraft, and has flown as 'pilot in command' on various other commercial jets including the MD80, BAe146 and Boeing 737. He has also served as a Check Airman where his responsibilities included administering FAA mandated checks to other US Airways Captains and First Officers and was instrumental in developing and implementing the Crew Resource Management course that is used by US Airways.
Prior to joining US Airways, Sully flew F-4 Phantoms in the United Stated Air Force. Captain Sullenberger is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., with a Bachelor's Degree in psychology and possesses two Masters degrees: one from Purdue University in industrial psychology and a second from the University of Northern Colorado in public administration. He is married and has two daughters.
Jeff Skiles’ Bio
The son of two pilots, Jeff Skiles started flying at the age of 16 and has logged more than 15,000 hours in the sky. His early days were spent flying with his father over the Alcan Highway to Alaska. He went on to become a flight instructor, cargo pilot and later worked for a commuter airline.
Skiles has a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has spent the last 23 years as a First Officer and Captain for US Airways. He also is the Vice President of the Coalition of Airline Pilot's Associations.
Skiles calls Oregon, Wis., home where he lives with his wife and three children.
Jeff Skiles on International Learn to Fly Day (video)
Jeff Skiles Thanks the Volunteers (video)
New Young Eagles Co-chairmen Sully Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles.
Sully Sullenberger, Jeff Skiles and Harrison Ford pause for photos after the news conference
For More Information:
EAA Radio:
Interview - Harrison Ford
Interview - Jeff Skiles
Interview - Sully Sullenberger
Interview: Tom Poberezny
EAA Video:
News Conference
Tribute to Harrison Ford
Young Eagles Testimonial
A Night to Remember - Harrison Ford Tribute
