Harrison Ford, Who Crash Landed/Survived, Is Strong Advocate For Youth Aviation Program By <nobr>Non-Profit</nobr> Experimental Aircraft Ass'n That Currently Has A Vintage Tri-Motor Aircraft at LB Airport For Fundraising Flights; Group's Statement Says "His Flying Experience And Proficiency Served Him Well"

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Harrison Ford, Who Crash Landed/Survived, Is Strong Advocate For Youth Aviation Program By Non-Profit Experimental Aircraft Ass'n That Currently Has A Vintage Tri-Motor Aircraft at LB Airport For Fundraising Flights; Group's Statement Says "His Flying Experience And Proficiency Served Him Well"

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(Mar. 6, 2015) -- LBREPORT.com has learned that Harrison Ford, the Hollywood actor who survived a crash landing (and avoided hitting homes) when his vintage aircraft made a forced/crashed landing on a golf course after taking off (Mar. 5) from Santa Monica Airport, is a strong advocate of youth aviation programs conducted by the Experiemental Aircraft Association. The EAA is.the non-profit group that currently has a vintage 1929 tri-motor Ford aircraft at Long Beach Airport, offering public flights through March 8 (part of a national fundraising tour.) [Disclosure: a supporter has purchased an ad on LBREPORT.com)

In a statement released today (Mar. 6), the Experimental Aircraft Association's chairman, Jack Pelton, said Mr. Ford is a longtime EAA member and former "Young Eagles" program chairman:

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[EAA statement] "Our wishes for a speedy and full recovery are with our friend and longtime EAA member Harrison Ford. Harrison is an experienced general aviation pilot who has been an outstanding advocate for flying, especially in his six years as chairman of EAA’s Young Eagles program, which has introduced more than 1.9 million young people to flight. His flying experience and proficiency served him well today. I speak for all EAA members in saying he has our support and best wishes at this time."

The EAA website says Young Eagles is a program the group created "to give children between the ages of 8 to 17 an opportunity to experience flight in a general aviation airplane while educating children about aviation. This program is offered free of charge with donations and volunteers. The program was launched in 1992 and, by 2014, has flown more than 1.9 million children in 90 countries."