Photo by AOPA
U.S. & JAPAN
FRIENDSHIP FLIGHT 2025
(U.S. Domestic flight only)
The one-eyed pilot, Shinji Maeda, is planning on a new mission in 2025 to once again with Adrian and his airplane - Gina. Shinji last flew with them was in 2021 during “The Earthrounder Mission”; his solo circumnavigation of the globe in a single-engine aircraft.
This flight will occur on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II when two 1962/3 Beechcraft P35 single engine aircraft fly the American domestic sky! Flying in formation, they will represent the unique friendship that has grown between the United States and Japan. Adrian Eichorn of Fly Blue Horizons will pilot his aircraft “Gina”(N1733G) and the other aircraft will be “Lucy”(N9787Y), piloted by one eyed pilot - Shinji. Both aircraft are veterans of Earthrounder solo missions and Adrian has flown Gina from Iceland to Fairbanks, Alaska, over the North Pole.
Shinji and Adrian will fly together to symbolize the friendship between Japan and the United States, and to express gratitude to those who contributed to the advancement of aviation in both countries.
This U.S. & Japan friendship flight will happen in this August, 2025!!!
Randebū Point
We will finalize the route and day of our departure but the randebū date will be on 8/6/2025!!
Beyond STEM!!
The Shinji's earthrounder 2021 flight relied on "beyond" STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills and planning. It had also well established plannings and routing, and most importantly it relied on modern navigation tools such as Garmin navigation, ForeFlight, and Jeppesen charts. While the Beechcraft airframes were manufactured a scant thirty two years after the first aircraft flew this route with only a digital gyro, our aircraft are equipped with modern touch panel of Garmin and Dynon avionics, GPS, autopilot, HF radios and satellite communications.
Flying with his mentor, Adrian Eichhorn
Adrian has experience flying around the world in a Bonanza, similar to Shinji's "Lucy”. When they first met in 2017 (YouTube), Adrian told Shinji that it was too early for him to attempt an earthrounder flight and initially declined involvement. However, Adrian was moved by Shinji's continued determination in the face of the obstacles he faced. Adrian provided full support for the 2021 Earthrounder mission flight, passing on his knowledge and expertise, and guiding him to success. Adrian became a mentor for Shinji, transcending differences in their cultural background and language. Through their shared passion for aviation, they became best friends and buddies, ready to take on the Mission Flight in 2025.
This mission is to carry on our message to the next generation
During his solo Earthrounder flight in 2021—undertaken in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic—Shinji made powerful symbolic stops. He visited the Normandy American Cemetery in France and flew over the site in the East China Sea where the Japanese battleship Yamato was sunk. These moments were his tribute to the fallen from both sides of the world wars—individuals who, despite their differences, shared a common humanity: they were sons and daughters, siblings, spouses, and parents.
Throughout the journey, there were seven moments when success—and even survival—felt uncertain. Yet Shinji felt he was never truly alone. He imagined the spirits of those lost to war flying with him, their hands on his shoulders, lending strength. He drew on their courage and sacrifice to push forward, carrying a mission not just of adventure, but of remembrance and inspiration
— to honor the past and to 'live' in a way that inspires others.
How you can support our
U.S. & Japan Friendship Flight 2025
As Shinji and Adrian embark on this symbolic journey, we invite you to be a part of their mission by contributing to our cause. Your generous donations/sponsorships will help support their flight, allowing them to inspire countless more with their story of resilience, friendship, and the boundless possibilities of overcoming challenges. Join us in making this extraordinary endeavor a reality and fostering the connection between Japan and the United States!
