Faisal Adil Provides Support To Five Students

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) recently awarded its second quarterly $1,000 prize this year to a Project Pilot Mentor. Faisal Adil shares his passion for aviation with five student pilots who he mentors through AOPA’s program.

"I love talking about aviation. I see through their eyes again. It’s really nice," said Adil of Tucson, AZ. He has been flying since 1999 after receiving his private pilot certificate six months earlier in 1998.

Adil moved to the United States from Dubai in 1987 to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. Now, as an AOPA Project Pilot Mentor, he is helping other aviators –- his wife, his father, and three of his co-workers –- pursue their dream to learn how to fly.

Any pilot who signs up as a Project Pilot Mentor is eligible to win $1,000 in quarterly drawings held by AOPA. To become a prolific and successful Mentor, like Faisal Adil, it takes a desire to share your passion for aviation, a little personal time, and a student pilot who seeks advice, motivation, and encouragement throughout their flight training.

Adil did not have a Mentor during his flight training, but it was his dad who inspired him.

"My dad was always taking me to the airport in Dubai where I grew up. I would lay on the sand dunes near the airport watching 747s land all night long," said Adil.

Adil signed up to be a Mentor with AOPA Project Pilot for his father, who came to the United States in 2005 to live with his son and to eventually learn how to fly. Adil pushed his father to achieve his goal and acquire his certificate in April.

With 1,540 hours logged, Adil understands the importance of talking to other pilots who can discuss flying in different areas of the country and give a diverse perspective.

"If there are questions or queries, I let them come to me," said Adil. "Most of the time I am a sounding board."

Adil said he understands his role and does not interfere with the formal training they get from their flight instructor. He is simply there to provide another viewpoint.

Adil will continue to develop his own proficiency by pursuing his instrument rating. He looks forward to applying the $1,000 he recently won, in the second quarterly AOPA Project Pilot Prize drawing, toward his training.

FMI: www.aopaprojectpilot.org