Jared Aicher

Jared Aicher, from Boise, Idaho, is a UVSC senior majoring in aviation science and ever since he was a child he has been fascinated with airplanes. His memories of airplanes are what motivated Aicher to bring the same sense of wonder to other children across the country with the Eagle Flight project. Established in 2004, Eagle Flight is a non-profit organization working in conjunction with Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagle program to provide flight education as well as a ride in the air to the next generation of aviation explorers.

In May 2005, members of UVSC’s Aero Scholars program, in their Diamond Star aircraft, accompanied Aicher in his Cessna 172-M craft, and flew across 41 states in just 33 days. Aicher invited 113 children to ride in the Cockpit with him, and each child had a chance to take control of the Cessna for a short time while in the air.

The second leg of the Eagle Flight project is set for June 17. Aicher will launch “solo” from Provo, Utah to fly around the globe on and near the 60-degree north latitude. In about 28 days Aicher will cross four continents including North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Just as he did in the U.S., Aicher will give another 125 kids short flights over their hometowns at each of his 25 planned stops.

The final phase will take Aicher across the globe again, via the North and South Poles. This difficult flight route has only been flown a few times, but Aicher believes his training and the excitement of the children he meets along the way will boost his confidence.  The expedition will take him to Central and South America, the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Europe and back home to Provo, Utah.

Aicher is a pioneer in this effort with the Eagle Flight project and will be the youngest pilot to have flown two consecutive solo missions across the globe when the mission is complete.