Harrison Ford Introduces U.S. Airways Pilots As Leaders Of Youth Program

Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, known for their expert handling of their airliner's emergency landing in the Hudson River in January, took the helm as co-chairmen of the EAA Young Eagles Program. In a news conference Tuesday, EAA member, pilot, and famed actor Harrison Ford officially passed the baton after having served for five years as the chairman of this program that uses aviation to inspire and educate youth.

Capt. Sullenberger

EAA Chairman/President Tom Poberezny, who launched the EAA Young Eagles Program in 1992, moderated the news conference. Later  Poberezny will hosted a special dinner recognizing Ford for his service and welcoming the program's new co-chairs.

"Harrison and I were delighted when Sully and Jeff agreed to co chair the program. They were ideal candidates not only because of the skill they demonstrated on that fateful day in January but also, and perhaps more significantly, because of the leadership they've shown since that time," Poberezny added. "They've been excellent ambassadors on behalf of aviation."

First Officer Skiles

Ford agreed. "For five years as the program chair, I've stressed the program's message of earned reward, showing young people that, by disciplining and applying themselves, they can earn marvelous rewards, such as the freedom and thrill of flight," Ford said. "Now, Sully and Jeff will add an emphasis on the value of training, preparation, and teamwork. No one could bring more credibility in sharing these concepts with our youth," Ford added.
      
Sullenberger and Skiles accepted the offer to lead the program in discussions with Poberezny and Ford that took place during this year's EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh. "After having the opportunity to learn more about the EAA Young Eagles Program while I was in Oshkosh, Jeff and I were inspired to get involved. Co-chairing the program is an opportunity that I welcome,"
said Sullenberger. "Jeff and I are honored to take the stick from Harrison Ford, who has gracefully guided the program for the past five years."

For Skiles, a rekindled enthusiasm for flight fueled his acceptance of the co-chair role. "I'm grateful to EAA and the AirVenture Oshkosh convention for allowing me to fall in love with aviation for a second time in my life. I'm eager to share this passion with young people and encourage participation in aviation," he said.

Harrison Ford

During Ford's chairmanship of the EAA Young Eagles Program:

• Nearly 500,000 young people received inspirational first-flight Young Eagles experiences while he chaired the program.
• He personally raised considerable funds for the program by donating auction items such as movie-set experiences.
• He elevated the stature of the Gathering of Eagles event, which takes place during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, to make it a more effective fundraising vehicle for the program.
• He enhanced the program's public profile and exposure.
• He emphasized the "ambassadorship" message, underscoring the EAA Young Eagles Program's significant potential to enhance the image of general aviation among policymakers and the broad public.
• He personally provided flights to nearly 300 Young Eagles.

The EAA Young Eagles Program, now in its 17th year, has provided inspirational and educational first-flight experiences to nearly 1.5 million youth, thanks to the volunteer efforts of 42,000 EAA member pilots and countless supporters. In addition to Ford, previous EAA Young Eagles Program chairs were: Oscar-winning actor and avid pilot Cliff Robertson (1992-1993); and aviation legend Chuck Yeager (1994-2003).

FMI: www.youngeagles.org.