Empowering Youth through the Experience of Flight

An older man in a blue shirt and beige hat is smiling and speaking to a group of children outdoors, with green hills and a clear blue sky in the background.

The process of learning to fly provides youth with skills that go well beyond piloting an aircraft. Aviation demands a deep understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), practical mechanical skills, and a high degree of independence and responsibility.

As students master the skills and discipline required to become good pilots, they also cement the leadership and critical-thinking skills that will serve them well in all areas of their lives. In learning to fly, students gain so much more.

Two people preparing a white glider plane outdoors on a grassy field with forest in the background. One person is pointing and the other is adjusting a radio antenna.

FEFY is led by a dedicated, volunteer Board of Directors and operates entirely through the generosity of our donors. Everything that we do is geared toward helping youth reach their full potential and every contribution supports programs that make flight training and aviation experiences accessible to them.

Your gift helps us inspire and empower the next generation of aviators, innovators, and leaders. Whether it’s introducing a student to their first flight, funding a soaring camp, or supporting our new STEAM program, your donation makes a real difference.

Please consider making a contribution to support our Youth Programs — every donation, no matter the size, helps keep the dream of flight alive.

Flight Experience for Youth (FEFY) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004 with a simple but powerful goal — to open the skies to the next generation.

At FEFY, we believe that aviation has the power to spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire lifelong growth. Our mission is to give young people meaningful opportunities to discover the excitement of flight through hands-on learning. By funding flight training, soaring camps, and other aviation experiences for youth ages 21 and under, we help them turn dreams of flying into reality — and open doors to new possibilities both in the air and on the ground.

The programs we support are run by Sugarbush Soaring at the Warren-Sugarbush Airport in Warren, Vermont.