OUR HISTORY
It all started as a dream. Many years later, it began to take shape.
Learn how Aero Zypangu Project was established and the journey we took to reach where we are now.
Jan 20, 2005
It all started from here
This is the day when Shinji became a one-eyed Japanese pilot.
2008
The First Step
Shinji started giving an inspirational speech in 2008. The speech was also held in his old school, Japan Aviation High School. Now, this inspirational speech has become one of the Aero Zypangu Project’s primary activities and we have reached out to over 5000 people.
2015
He knew what he had to do
While Shinji continues delivering his speech during the past 7 years, he realized many young people and adults weren’t motivated and passionate about their life and future. As it was the same feeling that he had when he was in college after his tragic accident, he knew it would be his mission to help those people.
2018
The official start of Aero Zypangu Project
He first talked to Ms. Eriko Baxter, an excellent lawyer at Baxter Law International PLLC, and established Aero Zypangu Project, 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Ever since then, Ms. Baxter has been our right hand and a great supporter as our pro bono lawyer.
We carried on and have been actively working on our mission for years
Since 2008, AZP keeps teaching people the joy of living and how fun and difficult it is to challenge ourselves and make our dreams come true. This message we deliver has never changed and will never change.
He named his airplane Lucy, just so she can fly with him
Shinji had a Labrador Retriever who lost one of her legs because of cancer. Her name was Lucy. She was so energetic that she always dragged Shinji out of bed, asked him to play with her, and even run faster than any other healthy dog. She lived every moment with all her energy… so Shinji named his airplane “Lucy.”
With our amazing crews
We always support each other with families, friends, cohort, and all of our loved ones. AZP is run by those caring, compassionate, and kind members!
Thank you for all of your support
Mr. Makino, Shinji’s old colleague, taught him how to build an aircraft and his passion to fly. Adrian is his great mentor who flew around the world with his own airplane, which is the same type of airplane as Lucy. He is now one of the best supporters of our Earthrounder Mission Project. Our mission would have not been possible without all the support we received from all of you.
ABS AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION AIRMANSHIP AWARD
By Thomas P. Turner ()
The ABS Air Safety Foundation Airmanship Award was created to motivate a greater interest in the development of piloting skills and safe flying among ABS members. Award of this honor recognizes accomplishment in one or more of these areas:
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Conspicuous skill and discipline demonstrated during a very difficult, demanding, and potentially dangerous in-flight situation.
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Outstanding planning and management of an especially challenging flight, air race, or other competition.
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Broadly based career achievements in flying, including examples from the previous two criteria, as well as continuous improvement as demonstrated by training, advanced pilot certification and highly praiseworthy peer testimonials.
I was honored to present the ABS/ASF Airmanship Award to Shinji Maeda for the four-year process of preparation, planning, and execution of an around-the-world flight in his P35 Bonanza as part of his foundation “to provide opportunities and experiences that inspire hope, strength, and joy in people with disabilities, in youngsters, and in their families through aviation activities.” Shinji’s story and his account of the flight was featured as the Beechcraft of the Month article in the September 2021 ABS Magazine. Shinji is truly a selfless, humble, and inspirational aviator who overcame many personal challenges to complete a monumental flight that was perhaps the conclusion of his lifelong dream, but only the beginning of his wish to inspire others. Please join my congratulations as we present Shinji Maeda the ABS Air Safety Foundation Airmanship Award.
