But It Took Some Effort For Him To Grow Wings

"Pass the 'juice'" is the term AOPA Project Pilot spokesman Erik Lindbergh uses to talk about mentoring and the passion that goes along with it. "There is no higher calling than to pass along the 'juice' that I got from other people, to get where I am today."

Jeff Myers, AOPA Executive Vice President of Communications made the call in January of this year to start Lindbergh on the path to spokesman. Lindbergh did a little more research, and a little more talking, before deciding. He then realized Project Pilot "fits right into my story in aviation. I didn't get into aviation because I was a Lindbergh."

Lindbergh actually got into flying, at age 23, from a friend "bugging" him. He finally relented... and  Lindbergh was smitten; he "got it."

Lindbergh is passionate about learning, especially flying. He also knows that it helps to have someone there for you when you're learning, though he doesn't advocate the "bugging you" method.

"Statistics show that if you have a mentor during your private pilot license you're three times more likely to get your ticket," says Lindbergh. He was ready for spokesman duty.

AOPA revamped and expanded the existing program and rolled it out with Lindbergh at the AOPA Open House Fly-In back in June.

Project Pilot is designed to help "address the problem of the declining pilot population, before we become extinct." Said Lindbergh. Lindbergh has flown several Young Eagles at some day long events. He's mentored as well but not under the Project Pilot program. Lindbergh now has "two pilots that I'm going to put through the program and I'm very excited about that."

What happens if you're a mentor without a "mentee" or vice versa?  Logging into the Project Pilot site and registering will hook you up with a mentor or "mentee", if there is one available.

One drawback to the program, at the moment, is participation is limited to AOPA members only, in the US.

"Obviously AOPA is stronger with more members but we don't want it to get in the way of having more pilots out there," remarks Lindbergh. "They've thought it out, so maybe there's a reason."

(Perhaps AOPA would want to consider allowing non-members access to the educational materials to be able to mentor as well? There are some extra items mentors and "mentees" receive when they sign up, that could remain unavailable to the non-members. This would seem similar to the member and non-member items on the AOPA home site. -- Ed.)

Lindbergh (above) is loving his spokesman position. "It's one of the most rewarding things that I've done. Aviation gave me the juice." 

Let's all try to pass the "juice!"

FMI: www.aopaprojectpilot.org