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
My first flight in a small plane at age eight left me with vivid memories, and many times I thought about being a pilot. With encouragement from my AOPA Project Pilot mentor, I earned my private pilot certificate in 1994 and my instrument rating in 1995. Soon my wife, Diana, and I purchased our Cessna T210, which we fly about 100 hours each year. Our most memorable trip was to Grand Cayman island, our longest in both days and miles and our first outside the United States. We've also been to the highest- and lowest-elevation airports in North America. Our favorite destination is Thermopolis, Wyoming, with its great hot springs and small-town comfort. We fly there in one-third the time the trip takes by car. I also have given almost 150 people their first flight, and I help with an aviation program in local elementary schools. I'm considering becoming a CFI so I can introduce even more people to the joy of flying that I have discovered. — David W. Larson, AOPA 1215711
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.
We welcome your photos. While we can't guarantee publication, we encourage following the photo guidelines available online ( www.aopa.org/info/pp/) or by calling 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672). For more information or to enroll in Project Pilot, please go to the Web site ( www.aopa.org/info/pp/).
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