What Is the Adopt-A-Pilot Program?

Since 1997, the award-winning Adopt-A-Pilot program has paired fifth-grade classes nationwide with Southwest Pilots to help students discover more than just how an airplane flies – to emphasize the importance of education and setting personal goals.

For four weeks each spring, Pilots volunteer their time visiting and mentoring students, and students track their “adopted” Pilot’s journey while he/she is “on the road.”

How much time does the Adopt-A-Pilot program take?

Please plan on one class visit per week for four weeks, each visit lasting approximately one hour. Any additional time includes contacting the teacher for program scheduling purposes, traveling to and from the school, sending e-mails, post cards, or other correspondence from the road, and optional activities, such as helping with a field trip.

When does the program take place?

We are flexible! Nationwide, programs kick-off anytime between mid-January and mid-May depending on Pilot and school schedules. Please check with your teacher to make sure your four-week timing doesn’t conflict with state testing, Spring Break, or other important school dates/holidays.

What materials does the Company provide to the classroom and the Pilot?

Southwest provides all the program supplies (at no cost) necessary to implement the program. The box of program materials will be shipped to Pilots’ home address and to the school address by early January. Southwest also honors each participating Pilot with a custom-designed tie to wear as a uniform piece throughout the year.

How do I register?

Registration is currently closed for the 2010 spring semester. Registration opens September 2 for the 2011 spring semester. This date is subject to change. Please check back closer to that date to confirm.

What if I have other questions or suggestions?

Contact adoptapilot@wnco.com or call the Adopt-A-Pilot Crew at 214-792-5143.