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.
Inspiring Hope, Strength, and Joy through Aviation
Jan 20, 2005
A Life-Changing Moment
Shinji Maeda becomes the first one-eyed Japanese pilot after a life-altering accident.
This moment planted the seed for a mission beyond aviation
2008
First Steps:
Spreading Inspiration
Shinji begins inspirational speeches — starting at his alma mater, Japan Aviation High School. Message: “Nothing is Impossible — I’m Possible.” Reached 2,000+ people through talks in this 2008.
2015
He knew what he had to do-Realizing the Mission
After 7 years of speaking, Shinji recognizes a deeper mission: Helping youths and adults struggling with motivation and direction — based on his personal experience after his accident. This realization becomes the foundation for formal organization.
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!
With supportive mentors
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.
Received ABS Air Safety Foundation Airmanship Award
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.
- By Thomas P. Turner
2025
Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Aviation Inspiration Award
WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 19, 2025 — The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has honored aviator Shinji Maeda with the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Aviation Inspiration Award at the AOPA R.A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy reception.
The award recognizes individuals whose aviation journeys inspire others through perseverance and service. Maeda was selected for his remarkable path to flight after losing vision in one eye as a teenager and being told he could not become a pilot under Japanese regulations. He later moved to the United States to pursue aviation, earning multiple pilot certificates and becoming a flight instructor.
Named after legendary Tuskegee Airman Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee, the Aviation Inspiration Award honors those whose lives demonstrate aviation’s power to motivate, connect, and uplift others. AOPA recognized Maeda not only for his flying achievements, but also for his continued work as an educator, mentor, and advocate for the next generation of aviators.
Dream of the Sky Award 2025
On September 24, 2025, the Japan Aeronautic Association (JAA) honored Mr. Shinji Maeda with the “Dream of the Sky Award” at its annual awards ceremony. This award is presented to individuals or groups who have made unique and inspiring contributions to aviation and aerospace, offering dreams, hope, and positive messages to society.
Maeda was recognized for his extraordinary achievement as a monocular (one-eyed) pilot who successfully completed a solo round-the-world flight in a single-engine aircraft. His journey was not merely a record-setting flight. It carried a powerful message: even with physical limitations or adversity, dreams can still be pursued and realized through preparation, judgment, and responsibility.
Through this challenge, Maeda inspired people around the world and embodied the very spirit that the “Dream of the Sky Award” seeks to celebrate — courage, perseverance, and the ability to ignite hope in others.
