Flying with Gina and Lucy together

My name is Shinji Maeda, founder & president of Aero Zypangu Project, 501c3 NPO. This video is special one for everyone who wants to do something in the future. I was told many, many, many times that I cannot do anything or cannot be anyone that I wanted to be when I was in Japan because I am one eye. Yes, my right eye is blind because of car accident.

However, this country, United States gave me a hope and dream again. This country gave me a set of wings to explore the wonderful world once again. I am one eyed pilot and I've been flying as certified flight instructor as well.

Because of COVID19, we postponed our flying around the world mission until next year but I will make it happen for people who is looking for a hope and dream just like me when I was younger because I just want to pay it forward what I got from this country. That's the mission and what Aero Zypangu Project does. It's freedom of flight!! Sincerely I would like to say thank you to Captain Adrian Eichhorn and all AOPA team. I am very proud of where I stand right now. thank you very much!! 誰が何と言おうともアメリカの寛大さを超えることはできない。 この国は多様人種を受け入れ、夢、希望に挑戦しようとする人たちに平等、且つ厳格にチャンスを与える。私は片目のパイロットとしてNPOを立ち上げた時、本当に多くの批判を日本の航空関係者から受けました。「危ない、危険だ、片目の分際で何を言っている…」　私はそう言う言葉を受けるたびにひるみ、動揺がありました。 しかし「恩は恩で返す」、これは高校の恩師、上野先生からの教えであり、自分が受け、感動した経験は後継に残そうと決断しました。それを起源に始まったのがエアロジパングプロジェクト。『ジパング』と名付けたのも祖国日本への感謝と、そして将来を作り上げる子供たちへの応援の気持ちも込めています。 今回、このように世界の航空団体を代表するAOPAが編隊飛行を実現させてくれたことに感謝すると共に、この恩を１００倍返しで世界に発信し続けていきます。