Project Pilot Strengthens Family Bonds
"Dad flew B-26s in World War II, has thousands of hours, and used to own a '61 Beechcraft Debonair. Now, he has graduated — to borrowing my airplane!" says a proud 46-year-old Richard Kaiser.
And along the way to Richard's aeronautical accomplishments, father and son found a way to strengthen their friendship.
"Dad" is Al Kaiser, 73, of Hollister, California. Like many veteran pilots, Al wanted his son to learn to fly, but young Richard wasn't taking the hint. Finally, at the 1994 AOPA Expo in Palm Springs, California, Al found the key to getting his son airborne: AOPA Project Pilot.
With AOPA Project Pilot materials in hand and father Al as his Project Pilot mentor, Richard climbed into the cockpit. He began training early in 1995, helped over rough spots with encouragement and advice from his father.
He built hours in a flying club and then purchased his own Beechcraft Debonair — all on the advice of his mentor, of course. "It was a good dose of encouragement" from his father that kept him motivated, he said. "I was reading everything I could get my hands on, including the [AOPA Project Pilot] newsletters."
Many AOPA Project Pilot success stories end with a successful private pilot checkride. In this case, Richard decided to continue with an instrument rating, and Al jumped at the chance to brush up on his own instrument knowledge. They enrolled together in an instrument ground school.
"The best part is that Richard and I have become good friends again," Al explains. "You don't always have much in common with your kids, and flying is one thing we can do together."
AOPA Project Pilot asks AOPA members to help rebuild the pilot population by identifying suitable prospects for learning to fly, then mentoring those individuals as they progress through ground and flight training. AOPA provides free motivational and educational materials that help to make your mentoring more effective.
Since the program was launched in April 1994, more than 18,000 AOPA members have mentored more than 23,000 students. Those members have helped to reverse the decline in new pilots — and you can help, too.
Who around you could benefit from learning to fly? Join forces with AOPA in the revitalization of general aviation by helping that person to earn his or her wings. Fill out the coupon below or call 800/ USA-AOPA (800/872-2672).
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