AOPA Project Pilot gives experienced pilots a way to share their love of flight by mentoring student pilots. Backed by the resources of AOPA, mentors help guarantee the best possible introduction to flying, from first flight to checkride.
Success Story
I caught the flying "bug" going for rides with my father when I was young. Fast-forward 45 years: My kids were in college, and I began thinking about taking lessons. I got the push I needed when my mentor Denis O'Brien gave me a ride around Chicago in his Bonanza, and a friend taking lessons at the time recommended an instructor at Clow International Airport. (For further information about Clow airport, see " Pilots: Oliver Boyd Clow," March Pilot.) Two months after I got my certificate in 1996, my wife, Judy, who was initially a very hesitant passenger, flew with the kids and me in a rented Cessna 172 around the island of Hawaii. Since that flight, Judy and I have enjoyed many memorable trips around the Midwest and taken longer trips to Washington, D.C.; New Orleans; Florida; the Bahamas; Canada's Maritime Provinces; and completed a multi-city tour of the Southwest. I've logged nearly 800 hours, and in 1997 I got my instrument rating. I am now working on my commercial certificate. I've flown Young Eagles several times and am currently mentoring my fourth Project Pilot student. — Bill Everson, AOPA 1264647
Are you a pilot who was a Project Pilot student? We want to know what mentored student pilots have gone on to do since their introduction to flight. E-mail us at [email protected] with your success story and we may print it here.
