As you can see from the picture, for decades children have been visiting McAllister. Each year hundreds of kids go through the museum and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs.The program designed specially for visiting school classes gives kids a combination of aviation history, information on the basics of flight, fun experiences in our link trainer and vertigo chair, and a close-up look at a real airplane. Often included is a walk over visit to the nearby Cub Crafters, a well known private aircraft fabricating business, that offers an effective connection with "careers" interests.

During the summer we work with Yakima County's BEST SELF youth program. We also work with the Experimental Aviation Association's (EAA) Young Eagles program which gives young people 8 - 17 years of age the experience of basic ground instruction and a free airplane ride. The cost of the fuel, the use of the aircraft, and the piloting are all donated by local, civic-minded, private pilots. The Young Eagles program was originally offered only once a year but, is now offered year round. Participation must start with a personal visit to the museum for sign-up and making necessary arrangements.

We are very proud of our youth programs at McAllister Museum of Aviation and wish to acknowledge and give credit to the volunteers who, in the spirit of community service, make all these activities and resources available.