The Virginia Department of Aviation honored Virginia’s three “Top Eagles” who have flown the most Young Eagles in the Commonwealth over the past 12 months at the Virginia Aviation Board meeting at the Hotel Roanoke on August 15, 2025.

The EAA Young Eagles program is designed to match pilots with children to give them their first ride in an airplane. Nationally since 1992, the Young Eagles program has flown 2.5 million young people – all of them for free. These flights are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.

Three Virginians went above and beyond the calling of this program. They gave their time and skills to help introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. All three of this year’s Top Eagles pilots are members of EAA chapter 186 in Manassas.

Virginia’s most active Top Eagle pilot for 2025 is president and scholarship coordinator of EAA chapter 186 Robert Prange, who flew 58 Young Eagles in the Commonwealth. Curtis Smith Jr., who is a gold-level member of the Virginia Aviation Ambassador program, took a lot of time away from tracking down stamps to fly 56 youth. And Virginia’s third most active pilot is Eagle Flight leader Paul Schafer, who flew 38 Young Eagles.

Collectively, these pilots flew 152 Young Eagles over the past 12 months. The Top Eagles as well as all the Young Eagles pilots willingly shared their time, skills and resources to help spark an interest in our next generation of aviation leaders.