May 2023 General Meeting: Shinji Maeda

Memorial Day weekend, Shinji Maeda and his son, Tsubasa, flew into Sequim Valley with his trusty companion, a red Bonanza P-35 V-Tail he calls, Lucy. Due to weather concerns, Shinji, Tsubasa and Lucy arrived Friday night and was hosted by fellow EAA Chapter 430 members overnight. That Saturday, Shinji entertained almost half the membership for EAA Chapter 430 about his flight around the world and his message of “I’m Possible” (remember, this was a holiday weekend).

Shinji flew around the world in “Lucy”. Shinji departed Everett, WA Paine field, May 1st, 2021, 17 countries later, Shinji landed on June 11th, 2021 at Harvey Field in Snohomish, Wa. Shinji shared his logistics, weather and host country military opportunities.

Shinji also shared his background, how he lost an eye, unable to achieve his dreams in Japan, he came to the United States where he attended Embrey Riddle, got a pilot certificate, became the first one eyed Japanese Commercial pilot and went on to become a CFI.