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).