A Noble Act: Introducing Someone to Aviation...

In this month's AOPA Pilot magazine, Tom Haines wrote an article about introducing people to flying. And I had to write about it also.

You may remember my previous post about my Young Eagles flight, nearly ten years ago. That was one of my introductions to aviation (I only needed one, but I tried and tried again to get known).

You may also remember another previous post about LAX ACE Academy. It was another, and where I began to learn the value of networking.

Mr. Haines mentioned that all you need to make a positive difference in someone's life is by showing someone flight. And it is such a true statement.

Look at pilot, and fellow Californian, Robin Petgrave. He runs "Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum", and runs a very interesting operation. He encourages the local youth to work and learn at the airport. Yes, it may sound quaint, but when you learn where these kids are from, and what they come up against everyday, you will understand what a truly heartwarming operation Mr. Petgrave runs. They are based out of Compton-Woodley Airport. The kids are from South Central LA. In an environment filled with guns, gangs, violence, and drugs, the kids who go there are learning the value of aviation. Kids, who would otherwise become gang-bangers, are getting their bearings towards a career. They are making a difference in their lives. That is what it's all about. Sharing aviation. Follow this link to learn more.

And another pilot, fellow Californian, and middle school teacher Barry Trop. If he were my middle school (Orville Wright Middle School, Los Angeles) ten years ago, I would have had it made. Mr. Trop teaches a flight simulation class. But not just that. He teaches kids the fundamentals of flight. Everything that you would learn as a private pilot is being taught to the students who elect to take the class at Orville Wright Middle School. Everything from flight planning, performance, aeronautical decisionmaking, flight physiology, navigation from something as rudimentary as pilotage, to area navigation and GPS. May his fine work continue. GO SEAHAWKS!

All of us as pilots should find ways to make positive differences in the local communities. By doing so, we can help boost our pilot population, something that is of great concern to AOPA. President Craig Fuller mentioned that we need to build for tomorrow. Yes, we need to build general aviation, the foundation of all aviation, for our future generations. Project Pilot is doing that. EAA's Young Eagles program is also doing the same thing (of which, I am a product of). Yes, we as pilots and aviation enthusiasts need to help find the next generation of flight instructors, airline pilots, and corporate pilots. We need to make aviation touch their soul and make a positive difference.

Indeed, aviation is something special. And it is my personal belief, that it is the obligation of all pilots to share aviation with as many people as possible. I believe that. Yes, I believe.