President's Perspective

Your guide to AOPA Project Pilot

Student pilots are among general aviation's most enthusiastic advocates. I've known this since my own days as a student pilot, when it seemed as though I was talking about flying with almost everyone I met. I'm sure it's been the same for you.

And sharing our love for flying has never been easier, thanks to AOPA's Project Pilot. Project Pilot is a major initiative for us to share our passion for flight. AOPA members are asked to find someone with the "right stuff" and a keen interest in learning to fly--and help them take those exciting first steps in flight training. The Mentor supplements the student's flight instructor by providing experience-based support and encouragement, and by boosting confidence (see "Giving Something Back," p. 37).

Think about your own first experience with general aviation--why did you go out to the airport on that memorable day? For most of us, it was a personal invitation from a friend, relative, or coworker who was a pilot. Many times, that person sensed your interest in flying, perhaps from questions you asked about their aviation activities.

There are two ways in which you can become involved in Project Pilot. First, if you're a student pilot--or want to become one--who does not have a Mentor, go to the Project Pilot Web site and sign up for one! A Mentor's support is a good way to help ensure that you achieve your pilot certificate--and it triples your chances of success!

Second, if you already have your pilot certificate, look for a friend or an acquaintance who you think is interested in learning to fly. Who was always asking you about your progress and experiences as you trained for your pilot certificate? Often these people have always wanted to fly but never had the opportunity, or perhaps didn't know how to get started. (If you're still learning to fly, we suggest you earn your certificate before becoming a Mentor--don't distract yourself from your own goal when it's so close!) I've mentored several students during my years as a pilot; some were neighbors and others were people I met in the course of everyday life. For example, the owner of a small business that I frequent mentioned he had an interest in learning to fly. Seizing this opportunity to help grow the pilot population, I offered to take him and his wife for a flight.

The trip to Latrobe, Pennsylvania, for a wonderful Sunday brunch at the airport restaurant took less than an hour. Our lunch conversation centered on many of the questions a prospective pilot usually asks. We talked about airports close to him and where he might find a flight school, followed by the normal explanations about the time and cost involved, the knowledge test, and various phases of learning to fly. I provided him with AOPA Project Pilot materials and offered to be his Mentor.

Just a couple of days later we had him booked for his first lesson. The next time we talked, I could tell that he really was hooked. I was expecting questions about takeoffs or landings, but he wanted to know what headset he should buy--and where he should get it. He also asked about the airman medical certificate he would have to obtain before he could progress to the solo phase of the private pilot certificate he was pursuing. I was able to direct him to AOPA's Medical Certification staff, which addressed his specific questions about a minor medical condition he had in the past.

Mentoring a student really isn't difficult, and if you're still thinking about the idea, allow me to share one of my secrets of mentoring.

Not all AOPA members are aware of the wide range of information and assistance that's available to them, and a new student certainly won't be. For information on how to get a new student pilot started in their training, check out the Student section of the AOPA Project Pilot Web site. A wealth of information on the flight-training process, conveniently arranged by phase of training, also is available on the AOPA Flight Training Web site. Pilot proficiency and safety information is available from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. From the medical certification information mentioned earlier to aviation weather and a comprehensive airport directory, it's all there--and free to members.

Answers to almost any aviation question are available from knowledgeable pilots and flight instructors with a toll-free call (800/USA-AOPA). While they won't provide encouragement and motivation as well as you can, they will provide accurate and useful answers to many questions--and they're all benefits of being a member of the world's largest aviation organization.