Some of the items included in the new  EAA Student Membership Packet

A new student EAA membership category aims to engage young people and help ensure that aviation’s future is a strong one.

The new category, being introduced during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, will officially launch in late 2007 as part of EAA’s membership structure realignment.

"EAA’s Young Eagles program is the first step toward getting young people interested in aviation," said David Berkley, EAA’s director of communication. "But the student membership aims to sustain their interest."

Berkley said Cessna’s unveiling Sunday of a new light-sport aircraft is another indication that the timing is right to get new people involved in aviation, with the sport pilot regulations decreasing the time and cost of learning to fly.

The student membership kit costs $10, and is available to young people up to age 17. It includes:

• EAA student version of the X-Plane flight simulator

• EAA Aviation Highlights DVD

• Reach for the Sky publication

• Whitewings glider

• Student membership online activation code

Each year’s kit contents will change, so renewing student members will receive different materials. In addition, student members will also receive most of the same benefits as regular EAA members, as well as access to more online tools and resources, such as aviation ringtones, a Homework Helper/Ask the Expert section, and members-only competitions and giveaways.

The membership kits can be purchased at EAA Member Village, KidVenture, the EAA AirVenture Museum gift shop, and other EAA stores throughout the grounds, according to Jim Sweeney, EAA’s director of membership.

"The kits provide real value for youth," Sweeney said. "They are specifically targeted to keep youth engaged so they will continue in aviation and keep contact with EAA."