AOPA Highlights Resilience of Training Community Through Awards

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) started a new initiative called the Flight Training Experience Project in place of the AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards.

“Even though many schools have had to close their doors during the pandemic, we believe it is important to celebrate the value and significance of the flight training community in this difficult time,” said Chris Moser, AOPA senior director of flight training education. “With the project, we will highlight the inspiring stories of the flight training community, which has come together in support of one another to overcome the obstacles of COVID-19 and a struggling economy, and proved resilient in the face of adversity.”

The Flight Training Experience Project is soliciting video stories from the flight training community that show the people who inspire and demonstrate the resilience of the industry. Schools, students, and instructors are asked to record a 45-second or less video and post it on social media (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok) with the hashtag #FTEProject. Select videos and stories will be highlighted at the annual Redbird Migration event in October and through AOPA’s news and media channels.

“Instead of fostering competition, we believe this is the moment to build community, and we are excited to celebrate and recognize the vital work of flight schools,” Moser said.

How to participate:  Share your stories in a 45-second or less video on social media with the hashtag #FTEProject by July 31. Show how you, your instructor, or your school uses aviation to inspire others; show how your school has demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity; show how your school, instructor, or students have supported the broader community; and show how your flight school has achieved a goal.