Aviation First Steps
Supporting aviation education in the Pacific Northwest
- Activities & Projects
- Educator Resources
- Events & Much More!
About Aviation First Steps
We provide educational materials and resources for anyone who wants to learn about aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, communication, safety, or other aspects of aviation.
Youth Empowerment
Browse our collection of educational activities, projects, and information, available for free download and use. You can also order hard copy activity kits.
Presentations
Whether you need ready-to-go slides or want to bring in a guest presenter, we can help.
Lending Library
Access teaching tools and equipment to make high-quality STEM instruction more accessible and equitable
Aviation Events
Search our calendar of aviation events, or post your event. Find out about fly-ins, airport days, air shows, educational activities, pancake breakfasts, and more.
Other Resources
Learn about scholarships and other aviation organizations including resources for Pilots, Teachers, Clubs, Schools, Parents and Youth.
Events in Action
Checkout our program highlights.
Coming Soon – Find an aviation club or group in your area, or get information and resources for starting one.
Support Our Cause by Making a Donation Today!
Support the Future of Aviation with Aviation First Steps! Join us in making dreams take flight. By fostering a passion for aviation in young minds, we are paving the way for future pilots, engineers, and innovators. But we can’t do it alone. Your generous donations make all the difference in providing these invaluable experiences to aspiring aviators.
Donate today and help us soar to new heights!
From Our Facebook Page:
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Aviation First Steps
We’re on a mission to make aviation dreams take flight. Our organization is dedicated to providing free, accessible educational resources to youth, parents, teachers, and pilots.
Aviation First Steps is excited to support EAA Chapter 492 by hosting a Kids’ Zone at the Young Eagles Rally this Saturday, October 4, at Yakima Airport! We will be there with hands-on aviation fun and inspiring educational experiences designed just for kids. Let’s spark curiosity and celebrate the joy of flight together! ![]()
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The Young Eagles program, sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association, gives youth ages 8–17 their first free ride in a small airplane. It’s the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. Today, nearly 2.5 million young people have enjoyed a free introductory flight through the Young Eagles program. These flights are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers.![]()
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#YoungEagles #AviationEducation #YakimaAirport #STEMFun #FuturePilots #AFS #AviationFirstSteps![]()
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events.eaachapters.org
Know a student who dreams of flying—or fixing—planes? 🚁✈️ Bergstrom Aircraft Inc's Aviation Career Night is a perfect chance to explore real-world pathways into aviation. Share this with your favorite future pilot, mechanic, or controller!
Do you have an airplane that’s ready for its next mission—one that inspires future aviators? ✈️![]()
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Aviation First Steps, a nonprofit dedicated to hands-on STEM education, is seeking the donation of a small GA aircraft (Cessna 172-sized or smaller) to be used as a static display for educational purposes. This aircraft will become the centerpiece of our highly successful Preflight with a Pilot program and other aviation outreach events.![]()
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🚀 Why It Matters: Over the past four years, Preflight with a Pilot has engaged more than 500 youth and adults, offering them the chance to perform a real preflight inspection alongside a pilot, sit in the cockpit, and learn about aircraft systems in a safe, interactive way.![]()
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🛠️ Why We Need a Dedicated Aircraft: Until now, we’ve relied on privately owned and rental aircraft, which introduces risks to both the planes and the participants. A dedicated static display aircraft will:![]()
*Be permanently labeled for educational clarity![]()
*Feature a demo instrument panel for safe interaction![]()
*Allow hands-on learning without risk to working systems![]()
*Be trailered to schools, career days, and both on- and off-airport events![]()
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🎯 The Goal: To find an aircraft that’s ready to retire from the skies but still has plenty of lift left in its legacy. Whether it’s no longer airworthy or simply ready for a new chapter, your donation could help inspire the next generation of pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals.![]()
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💸 Bonus: Your donation may be tax deductible!![]()
Aviation First Steps is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and we’ll provide documentation to support your charitable contribution.![]()
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📩 Interested or Know Someone Who Might Be? Please message me directly or email info@aviationfirststeps.org. We’d love to talk more about how your aircraft can become a lasting educational tool.![]()
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Let’s give one airplane a second life—and hundreds of students their first step into aviation. 🛩️💙![]()
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#AviationFirstSteps #AFS #PreflightWithAPilot #STEMEducation #DonateAnAircraft #FuturePilots #AviationEducation #GACommunity #AirportDays #AirshowOutreach
Aviation First Steps at Air of the Wolf![]()
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What an unforgettable day taking flight with the Cub Scouts at our Air of the Wolf event! ✈️ Aviation First Steps had the absolute joy of bringing the wonder of aerodynamics to Cub Scout Day Camp, where curiosity soared and imaginations took wing.![]()
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The den of fifteen adventurous scouts dove hands-on into the science of flight as they designed, built, and tested all sorts of paper airplanes. With each fold and tweak, these young aviators experimented with different designs, asking questions and making predictions about which plane would fly the farthest, the fastest, or float the longest.![]()
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The real excitement happened at our custom flight test course! Scouts took turns launching their creations, then carefully charted each plane's distance, speed, and float time. Teamwork and discovery filled the air as everyone compared results, cheered on their friends, and celebrated big wins—and a few surprise crash landings!![]()
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By the end of the day, all fifteen scouts had not only learned the basics of aerodynamics, but also earned their Air of the Wolf adventure loop. We couldn’t be prouder of their curiosity, persistence, and soaring spirits.![]()
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Thank you to the amazing leaders and families who helped make this event truly special. Until our next adventure together, keep building, exploring, and reaching for new heights—your wings are ready! 🛩️🐺 ![]()
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#AviationFirstSteps #AFS #CubScouts #AiroftheWolf #STEM #FlyHigh #YourWingsAreReady
Soaring Fun at the Pangborn Festival of Flight!![]()
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What an incredible day at the Pangborn Festival of Flight in Wenatchee! On July 19, 2025, Aviation First Steps had the honor of teaming up with the Mid-Columbia 99s to welcome families into a world of aviation discovery and hands-on fun.![]()
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From the moment the festival gates opened, our booth buzzed with excitement. Creativity took flight as kids and parents dove into coloring pages and aviation-themed puzzles. The paper airplane design station was a huge hit—everyone brought their best ideas to life, then lined up at the AFS runway to test their models by aiming for our special targets. Cheers and laughter filled the air as young aviators watched their creations soar!![]()
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Temporary tattoos were all the rage (again). Smiling faces left with wings, planes, and clouds, showing off their new “aviation gear” for all the festival to see.![]()
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The Mid-Columbia 99s were on hand to answer questions about learning to fly, sharing inspiration and practical advice. Many future pilots—especially young girls—got valuable info about flight training scholarships and ways they can get involved in aviation.![]()
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Our electronic “parts of the airplane” game kept curious minds engaged, while Pilot Stephen led a round of free air marshalling lessons. Kids took on the role of ground crew, practicing hand signals and learning how they help keep pilots safe.![]()
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Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn, play, and celebrate the thrill of flight with us. We’re grateful to the Mid-Columbia 99s for their partnership and passion, and to all the families who helped make the day unforgettable.![]()
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Until next time—keep dreaming, building, and reaching for the skies—your wings are ready!![]()
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#FestivalOfFlight #AviationFirstSteps #AFS #FamilyFun #WomenInAviation #TheNinety-Nines #PangbornMemorialAirport #YourWingsAreReady
Upcoming Event!
Airport day at Cashmere (8S2) ~ A great day to visit with aviators and meet the airport manager.
Become a Member Today!
Whether you are a club, a teacher, a parent, a pilot, or a future pilot, we have resources for you. Join AFS Today!