About Pilots

Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Adrian Eichhorn has passionately dedicated his life to aviation education, safety and adventure.

 

He was inspired to fly at eight by his father, a decorated US Army pilot. Adrian joined the Army, himself, and earned his flight and maintenance certificates and ratings while on active duty.

 

Adrian’s career in the US Army Corp of Engineers, and as a strategic nuclear advisor to President Bill Clinton, led to a career of flying for the FAA, NASA, JetBlue, the Washington Commanders, General Dynamics, Leidos, and Lockheed Martin. This experience gave him deep insight into aviation safety, especially related to fatigue, complacency, and distraction. 

 

In addition to Adrian’s 26,000-hour flying career with airline transport pilot type ratings in the Airbus, Gulfstream, Bombardier, and Cessna families, he is a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic.

 

A pinnacle of Adrian’s celebrated career was an around-the-world solo flight in a single-engine 1962 Beechcraft P35 Bonanza, which he completely rebuilt. This global awareness flight was followed by an epic, non-stop 21-hour solo flight in the same airplane from Reykjavik, Iceland, across the North Pole, to Fairbanks, Alaska. These record-breaking accomplishments were not for the Guinness book or Adrian’s personal acclaim, rather for elevating aviation safety awareness and education. 

 

His commitment to quality and safety  was recognized with the EAA Reserve Grand Champion Silver Lindy in 2018 and later as the EAA Grand Champion Gold Lindy, the highest awards achievable in general aviation at the world’s largest aviation gathering.

 

A highly sought after speaker, Adrian has delivered More than 510 pro-bono educational presentations hosted by many aviation organizations. He is also an FAA Gold Seal Instructor and Master Certified Instructor.

 

Adrian, a Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame inductee, has earned more than 22 national, regional, local, and military awards, including the FAA National Maintenance Technician of the Year, FAA National Aviation Safety Counselor of the Year, AOPA General Aviation Safety Commendation, American Bonanza Society Airmanship Award, and the United States Armed Forces Legion of Merit. 

 

These awards are more than accolades and decorations to Adrian. The accomplishment, recognition, and notoriety underpin Adrian’s credibility as an educator and ambassador, and support his ability to engage at the highest levels of decision making to improve aviation safety.

Shinji Maeda, who lost sight as a teenager, completed a 42-day solo flight around the world in a 1963 Beechcraft Bonanza named "Lucy." The journey took him 22,000 miles and 18 countries, proving that sometimes the impossible is possible. Maeda had to leave his full-time job at The Boeing Company and faced challenges such as sandstorms, icing, and bureaucratic red tape. Despite these challenges, Maeda became the first COVID-19 vaccinated solo pilot around the world. His journey is key to his Aero Zypangu Project, a nonprofit founded in 2015 to encourage others to overcome challenges in their lives.

 

Shinji Maeda, a flight instructor, shares his journey of overcoming challenges through aviation. His father, who passed away unexpectedly from cancer, encouraged him to keep going despite the negativity. The pandemic has also impacted his journey, as many people have lost hopes and dreams. Maeda chose to fly a Bonanza, named Lucy, inspired by his dog, Lucy, who had bone cancer and had a leg amputated. The breathtaking scenery and clear air made the trip unforgettable. Maeda's mother, who is battling cancer, was one of the most special visitors, as she was able to see and talk to her through the airport fence. Maeda, who is also a flight instructor, has no plans for another flight around the world but wants to continue encouraging others to challenge themselves and reach for their dreams. He believes that aviating is our life and that moving forward will lead to success.