What Is the Adopt-A-Pilot Program?

Ever wondered how an airplane stays up in the air? Do you know why it can be 6:00 p.m. in New York City and 3:00 p.m. in Seattle—at the same time? Have you thought about what it would take to reach your future dreams? The Adopt-A-Pilot program is your chance to explore all kinds of ideas and get to know your class’ very own “adopted” Southwest Airlines Pilot.

What Does an “Adopted” Pilot Do?

It is a chance for students to interact with Southwest Pilots to discover more than how an airplane flies – to learn how education is critical in reaching personal goals.

• In cities nationwide, “adopted” Pilots visit classrooms once a week for four consecutive weeks.
• Pilots lead students through Adopt-A-Pilot activities, answer questions, and play games.
• They also help you see how you can attain personal goals through hard work, education, and determination.
• And when they are “on the road,” (flying their weekly flight schedule) Pilots correspond with their classes via e-mail, photos, or post cards.

What Do Students Do?

• Your class spends time with a Southwest Airlines Pilot once a week, diving into interesting topics and playing games.
• You also get your very own Flight Plan workbook, which reveals the mysteries of flight, makes math and geography fun, and helps you think about your future.
• While your Pilot is away, you get to track your Pilot’s journey on a United States map and learn about the cities he or she visits

How Can My Parents Become Involved?

• You can share your Flight Plan workbook and talk to them about what you are learning during Pilot visits.
• You and your parents can visit the Adopt-A-Pilot web site together, exploring things like “Continue to Learn.”

Check Out the Adopt-A-Pilot Blog.

Along with curriculum lessons, Adopt-A-Pilot reinforces important messages such as:

• See what other Adopt-A-Pilot classes are doing across the country.
• Ask questions by clicking on “Ask A Pilot,” or submit what you have been learning with
  Adopt-A-Pilot by clicking on “Share A Story.”