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
After receiving an introductory lesson as a surprise gift while vacationing in Florida, I returned home to look into the costs and requirements of flight training. It wasn't long before I discovered AOPA Project Pilot while checking out the AOPA Web site. There were two or three volunteers listed for my area. I had just taken my first lesson locally and decided to give Scott Ehrlich, AOPA 3715409, a call. I knew immediately that I was onto a good thing. Scott's enthusiasm and the fact that he'd had his certificate for only two years really boosted my confidence. We began talking regularly and exchanging e-mails as I progressed through my training. Scott was a great complement to my CFI. Scott was also my advocate and provided a relaxed outlet for expressing my fears and frustrations. When I soloed, he came out to the airport with his son to cheer me on. He also invited me to fly with him, gave me dozens of flying magazines, and offered to help me study for the written. During the two and a half years it took me to get my certificate, Scott was there for encouragement and guidance. We have now become good friends and look forward to flying together in the years ahead.
Abingdon, Maryland
Become an AOPA Project Pilot mentor!
If you're ready to encourage someone who wants to become a student pilot, then you're ready to become an AOPA Project Pilot mentor. Visit the Web site ( www.aopa.org/info/pp/) to enroll yourself and a student pilot nominee who has the time, the resources, and the desire to learn to fly.
Mentors and Students
Oregon (7S3): Dave L. Logan, AOPA 1299804, mentored his wife, Lisa Logan, AOPA 3488813. Lisa was Dave's first passenger when he got his certificate in 1980. After being married for 21 years and flying together in their Cessna 185, Lisa decided she was ready and dove in and got her certificate. The couple's 19-year-old son is close behind with 25 hours.
Colorado (2V2): Gary Rubin, AOPA 616166, mentored Rosolino Giamanco, AOPA 5316746.
New York (ROC): Christopher White, AOPA 4427892, mentored Pete Bonneau, AOPA 5015058, who received his certificate in August 2004.
An expanded version of "Project Pilot Update" is available online. Visit www.aopa.org/info/pp/ and click on the link Project Pilot Update.
These student pilots are winners of a King Schools video course:
August: Sara Lewis, AOPA 5361565, Skillman, New Jersey
September: Ed Brookshire, AOPA 5578879, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Project Pilot students are eligible for this random drawing in the 12 months after their names are received by AOPA.
Congratulations!
These mentors who helped a student earn a private pilot certificate receive a Sporty's Pilot Shop Preferred Rewards Gift Certificate.
| Mentor | New Pilot |
|---|---|
| Christopher Sis AOPA 1384307 Anchorage, Alaska | Ryan Sis AOPA 5459124 Renton, Washington |
| Charles Waters AOPA 3806303 Newcastle, California | Wesley Jones AOPA 5315075 Yuba City, California |
| James Arnold AOPA 1030043 Jackson, Tennessee | Jeffery Patterson AOPA 1319247 Huron, Tennessee |
| Joseph Mechelay AOPA 864312 Pampa, Texas | Jerrel Schoenrock AOPA 5320086 Pampa, Texas |
| Greg Neu AOPA 1144176 Boise, Idaho | Collin Neu AOPA 5526093 Boise, Idaho |
Gift available to mentors who provide AOPA with a copy of their Project Pilot student's private pilot certificate.
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 nominate someone for AOPA Project Pilot, please go to the Web site ( www.aopa.org/info/pp/).
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