OSHKOSH − As touchdowns go, this one may have been Jimmy Graham’s best yet.
The former Packers tight end, now chairman of the EAA Young Eagles program, landed a big milestone during AirVenture by taking part in the 2.5 millionth flight in the program’s history July 22.
Opening the afternoon air show, Graham and 10-year-old copilot Hazel Schaefer embarked on a 10-minute flight in an Extra 330LX two-seat aircraft to mark the occasion.
“This is a bit more nerve-wracking than Lambeau because there’s probably five times more people here, but she did great,” Graham told reporters after landing on a strip in front of Boeing Plaza.
“I’m a much better football player for sure,” he said, laughing.
Jimmy Graham helps EAA Young Eagles reach 2.5 million flights
An experienced aerobatic and helicopter pilot, Graham, who has his own Huey helicopter, was named co-chair of the Young Eagles program eight years ago before becoming the program’s sole chair at the 2024 fly-in convention.
He follows legendary actor Harrison Ford and famed pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who landed a plane on the Hudson River, as a luminary to chair the initiative.
Established in 1992, the Young Eagles program has introduced more than 2.3 million young people to aviation through free introductory flights conducted by EAA-member pilot volunteers.
Hazel Schaefer joins milestone Young Eagles flight at AirVenture
The milestone flight was Hazel’s ninth Young Eagles flight. She also has logged 43 hours of flight time in 40 types of aircraft.
“It was really awesome,” Hazel said, joking that Graham is just OK as a pilot. “I’m glad I got this opportunity.”
Hazel Schaefer’s family celebrates aviation milestone in Oshkosh
The flight marked a crowning aviation moment for the Schaefer family, who have been coming to AirVenture for the last eight years.
Hazel’s mother, Jess, went to flight school directly out of college, while Hazel’s 16-year-old sister is one year removed from getting her pilot’s license. Hazel’s other sister is involved in the Commemorative Air Force.
“She’s grown up in that world, and it has given my family a way to give back,” Jess said of Hazel. “We’re really honored to be part of this celebration, as EAA and Young Eagles have been such a major part of our lives and our family.”
EAA AirVenture continues at Wittman Regional Airport
The 73rd edition of EAA AirVenture continues at Wittman Regional Airport through July 26.
If you go to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
Contact Justin Marville at jmarville@usatodayco.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @justinmarville.and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @justinmarville.
Story republished to add new photos.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: At AirVenture, Jimmy Graham shares milestone flight with girl
Reporting by Justin Marville, Oshkosh Northwestern / Oshkosh Northwestern
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Justin Marville, Oshkosh Northwestern | USA TODAY Network
