NextGenAviators: Where Young Dreams Take Flight

Ignite a lifelong passion for aviation and STEM innovation with NextGenAviators—an extraordinary partnership between EAA Chapter 1660 and American Education International! Based at the historic Peter O. Knight Airport in Tampa, we're transforming the way youth ages 7–18 experience flight, technology, and hands-on learning.

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Your Journey into Aviation Starts Here

Fly High

Experience the thrill of Young Eagles flights and discover what it's really like to soar above Tampa Bay with certified pilots.

Learn Smart

Dive into our Little Eagles STEM Program with VR flight simulators, RC aircraft building, and EAA's renowned AeroEducate curriculum.

Get Skilled

Advance your knowledge through ground school, Rusty Pilots classes, and RC workshops with official NFT certifications.

Discover More

Join guided tours at Florida's premier airshows and attend quarterly promotional days filled with unforgettable aviation adventures.

Little Eagles STEM Program: Innovation Takes Wing

Where Learning Meets Adventure

Designed specifically for ages 7–12, our Little Eagles STEM Program combines cutting-edge technology with hands-on aviation education. Young learners explore the fascinating world of flight through EAA's expertly crafted AeroEducate curriculum, gaining real-world skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Each session brings new discoveries—from piloting virtual aircraft in our state-of-the-art VR simulators to building and flying radio-controlled planes. Students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills while discovering potential career paths in aviation, engineering, and aerospace technology.

Monthly sessions held at Peter O. Knight Airport, fourth Saturday from 10:30 AM to noon. Investment: $25–$50 per session.

Program Highlights & Experiences

01

Young Eagles Flights

Take to the skies with experienced EAA pilots in real aircraft, experiencing the magic of flight firsthand while learning fundamental aviation principles.

02

VR Flight Simulators

Master the controls in our immersive virtual reality flight simulators, practicing takeoffs, landings, and navigation in a safe, controlled environment.

03

RC Aircraft Building

Design, construct, and pilot your own radio-controlled aircraft, learning aerodynamics, engineering principles, and the thrill of seeing your creation take flight.

04

Ground School Classes

Advance your aviation knowledge with structured ground school instruction covering weather, navigation, aircraft systems, and flight theory.

05

Airshow Adventures

Experience Florida's premier airshows with guided tours, getting up close with incredible aircraft and meeting pilots, mechanics, and aviation professionals.

Quarterly Promotional Days: Aviation Fun for Everyone

Join Us for Unforgettable Aviation Experiences

Four times a year, we host spectacular promotional days at Peter O. Knight Airport and Area 52—action-packed events where aviation comes alive! These family-friendly gatherings offer an incredible opportunity to experience multiple aspects of aviation in a single exciting day.

Discovery Flights

Experience the thrill of actual flight with our certified pilots—feel the controls, see Tampa from above, and understand what makes aviation so captivating. Limited slots available!

RC Demonstrations

Watch skilled pilots perform breathtaking maneuvers with radio-controlled aircraft, then try your hand at basic RC flying under expert guidance.

Aircraft Displays

Explore a variety of aircraft up close—from vintage planes to modern marvels—and chat with pilots who share their experiences and aviation stories.

Admission is only $10–$20 for select activities, making it an affordable way to discover if aviation is your passion. Bring the whole family and prepare for an unforgettable day!

Advanced Training & Certifications

Ground School Excellence

Our comprehensive ground school program provides aspiring pilots with the foundational knowledge needed for flight training and FAA certification. Taught by experienced instructors, classes cover essential topics including aerodynamics, weather theory, navigation, aircraft systems, and federal aviation regulations.

Rusty Pilots Program

Returning to aviation after time away? Our Rusty Pilots classes help certificated pilots refresh their knowledge and skills, rebuild confidence, and stay current with modern aviation practices and regulations. Perfect for pilots looking to get back in the cockpit safely.

World-Class Facilities & Locations

Peter O. Knight Airport (KTPF)

Our primary home base features a stunning waterfront location in downtown Tampa with excellent facilities, a welcoming aviation community, and the perfect environment for hands-on learning and flight operations.

Area 52 Training Center

A dedicated indoor facility designed specifically for RC aircraft training, workshops, and events. Climate-controlled comfort allows year-round programming regardless of weather conditions.

Sparkman Wharf Venue

Selected workshops and special events take place at this vibrant Tampa waterfront destination, combining aviation education with the energy and excitement of one of Tampa Bay's favorite gathering spots.

Membership Benefits & Pricing

Unlock Exclusive Access to Aviation Excellence

Maximize your NextGenAviators experience with membership in EAA Chapter 1660 and Bay City Flyers! We've created special family-friendly rates that make participation accessible and rewarding. Members enjoy priority registration, discounted session fees, exclusive access to special events, and a supportive community of fellow aviation enthusiasts.

Little Eagles Sessions

$25–$50 per session

Monthly meetings (fourth Saturday, 10:30 AM–noon) at KTPF including hands-on activities, VR simulators, and AeroEducate curriculum

Promotional Days

$10–$20 for activities

Quarterly events featuring discovery flights, RC demonstrations, aircraft displays, and family-friendly aviation fun

Special Memberships

Family rates available

Join EAA Chapter 1660 and Bay City Flyers for exclusive access, discounts, and priority registration for all programs

Register online at aeiflorida.com or contact us directly for membership information and to reserve your spot in upcoming sessions.

Building Tomorrow's Aviation Leaders

A Partnership That Changes Lives

NextGenAviators represents the perfect fusion of EAA Chapter 1660's decades of aviation expertise and American Education International's innovative approach to STEM education. Together, we're creating transformative experiences that inspire the next generation of pilots, aerospace engineers, air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, and aviation innovators.

Our program goes beyond teaching technical skills—we're building confidence, fostering curiosity, and opening doors to career possibilities many young people never knew existed. Through mentorship from experienced pilots and aviation professionals, students discover role models who demonstrate that dreams of flight are within reach.

500+

Youth Served

Students inspired through our programs since inception

7-18

Age Range

Comprehensive programming for all youth aviation enthusiasts

12+

Monthly Events

Regular opportunities for hands-on aviation experiences

We're not just teaching aviation—we're shaping futures, building character, and creating a community where young people can dream big and achieve even bigger. Join us in Tampa Bay as we write the next chapter of aviation history, one inspired student at a time.

Ready to Take Flight?

Your Aviation Adventure Awaits

Whether you're a curious 7-year-old fascinated by how planes fly or an 18-year-old considering an aviation career, NextGenAviators has a place for you. Our welcoming community of pilots, instructors, and fellow aviation enthusiasts is ready to support your journey every step of the way.

Don't let another day go by wondering what it's like to fly. Join us at Peter O. Knight Airport and discover the incredible world of aviation through hands-on experiences that will stay with you forever. The sky isn't the limit—it's just the beginning!

Get Started Today

  • Phone: +1 813-473-2977 (AEI)
  • Follow us on Instagram: #NextGenAviators #AviationForAll #STEMEducation