We Help Youth Soar!

Flight Experience For Youth’s (FEFY) mission is to give young people the opportunity to learn about and experience the world of flight.

An aerial view of a grassy field with a glider aircraft, trees, and a small pavilion. There are two small airplanes parked near the pavilion and the background features rolling hills and mountains.

The programs that FEFY funds are run by Sugarbush Soaring at the beautiful Warren Sugarbush Airport (0B7)

Photo taken from inside an airplane showing part of the wing, with another airplane flying above clouds in blue sky.

We would never claim that the ability to pilot an aircraft is an unmet need among youth.

A young boy and an older man standing outdoors on a grassy field during sunset. The boy is holding a bright orange competition bib that says 'Line Crew' and is handwritten with details including 'First Solo, Braden Martens, SGS-233, N31966, 9-19-2021' along with a drawing of an airplane. Both are smiling and wearing casual clothing and caps.

But what is increasingly unmet in today's digital world

Man instructing two boys on model glider aircraft outdoors with trees and a blue sky in the background.

Is the opportunity for kids to get the type of hands-on, real-life, experiential learning that our unique programs provide.

Person wearing a blue cap and red shirt flying a small aircraft over green mountains and cloudy sky.

Through the process of learning to fly, youth gain skills that go well beyond learning to pilot an aircraft.

Group of kids sitting under a wooden pavilion, listening to an instructor who is drawing on a whiteboard, with trees and greenery in the background.

Flying requires deep knowledge of STEM subjects, hands-on mechanical skills, and a high level of independence and responsibility.

Group of people, including children and adults, posing outdoors around a small white and red glider airplane on a grassy field, with trees, a house, and mountains in the background.

As youth master the skills necessary to be good pilots, they also cement the critical thinking and leadership that will serve them well throughout many areas of their lives.

A boy and a woman standing outdoors on a grassy field next to a white and red glider airplane, smiling and giving thumbs-up. The boy is wearing a green hoodie, and the woman is wearing sunglasses, a blue jacket, and a cap, with a background of trees and hills.