Air safety expert to inspire youth in aviation

Air safety expert to inspire youth in aviation

By AOPA ePublishing staff

Introducing high school students to the wonder and challenges of aviation is key to boosting the dwindling pilot population. Now, in addition to helping to keep the pilot population flying safely, AOPA Air Safety Foundation Executive Director Bruce Landsberg has the opportunity to help inspire youth to pursue aviation-related careers and hobbies.

Landsberg was appointed to the Build A Plane advisory board on Dec. 5. Build A Plane has a formal partnership with the FAA to promote aviation education by soliciting donated aircraft to distribute to high schools and give students the opportunity to build or restore an aircraft.

“I am honored to be joining the Build a Plane advisory board. Organizations such as Build a Plane that create aviation awareness and provide information on careers are essential to the continued well being of the industry,” Landsberg said. “Aircraft are a critical part of the safety equation, and when young people understand what goes into building an airplane—from design to execution—they learn responsibility and the importance of safety.”

Students in the Build A Plane program also learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. More than 60 projects are under way in the United States, and the organization hopes to reach 100 by the end of 2008.

Through the Build A Plane program, some students will want to learn how to fly. That’s where the AOPA Air Safety Foundation comes in.

“Our goal is to develop safe pilots,” Landsberg said. “We look forward to working with the various Build A Plane programs to provide materials and courses that will help these young people in any of their aviation pursuits.”

December 12, 2007