HAVE FUN, MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Hundreds of Pilots can tell you, participating in Adopt-A-Pilot will be one of the best volunteer experiences of your life. It's a rewarding way to make a lasting difference, and since you're sharing what you already know, it's simple!

The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 30. With just two days left to register, don't wait! Go to the Adopt-A-Pilot web site and register now.

If you have any questions, just e-mail us at adoptapilot@wnco.com. Just in case, here are answers to some frequently asked registration questions:

Q: What if I'd like to participate, but I don't have all my school and teacher information confirmed yet?

A: No problem. So that you don't miss the deadline, just register with your personal information, and then send us the school  and teacher information as soon as you can at adoptapilot@wnco.com. Put "Registration Info" in the Subject line (and make sure to include your full name and Pilot number so we can match your school info to your original registration).

Q: Do I need to find a school in a Southwest city, or can I work with a class anywhere?

A: Any city, town or village will do! Adopt-A-Pilot has been designed to work for you. So whether you're being adopted by a class in a major metropolis or one just down the street from your home, Adopt-A-Pilot is anywhere you want to be.

Q:  What if I'm a little nervous to teach the Adopt-A-Pilot curriculum?

A:  Now in its twelfth year, it's clear from thousands of Pilots' experience that it's not so much what you say, but the time and attention you give the students that makes the biggest impact. The Adopt-A-Pilot curriculum is provided as a guide -- it's there to give you relevant topics to present -- but please feel free to customize the lessons or even add your own. And as many Pilots have found, it's often stories from their own life, education and career that the students love to hear. So no worries, just jump in and share what comes naturally!

Q: What if I can't make all four visits to the classroom, or if I can't fit the visits within four consecutive weeks?

A: Again, while Adopt-A-Pilot offers guidelines, the program is extremely flexible. The greatest impact comes from having a mentor care about the students. Whatever time you can give -- in whatever time-frame that works for you and your teacher January through May 2010 -- will be great!

An AAP Crew Interview with "Adopted" Pilot Robert Corbin

Adopt-A-Pilot Registration is open now through Oct. 31. The Adopt-A-Pilot Crew has interviewed a few Pilots for their insight on why you just can't pass up this opportunity to make a difference. Here's what Pilot Robert Corbin had to say...

Q:    What are the Top Three Reasons Southwest Pilots would want to participate in Adopt-A-Pilot?

A:    1) You get to make an impact in the community where you live.

        2) You get to represent Southwest Airlines for who we are and who we strive to be.

        3) I am just one person, but in four years of volunteering with Adopt-A-Pilot, I have mentored 610 students. Don't expect someone else to make an impact while you wait on the sidlines. Join the game. Get involved. It can start with you.

Q:    How did you decide to participate in Adopt-A-Pilot in the first place, and what keeps you keep coming back?

A:    Anytime a parent, adult, or friend can get involved with local schools, the impact may not be immediately seen, but it will be recognized years later. Southwest Adopt-A-Pilot is a valuable tool in reaching students - I simply cannot leave any class out. That's why two years ago I had my largest school group ever - 250 students. Every teacher didn't want to be left out, and I didn't want them to miss the valuable lessons.  Our children are too important, and they must know they can make an impact in whatever career field they choose. Also, they must know the older generation has a vested interest in them, and that we want to fill them with confidence in leading our great country.

Q:    What's one of your favorite Adopt-A-Pilot memories so far?

A:    I give them a quiz every time I start class. I have them recite four factors I believe are important and that also follow the SWA AAP guidelines: stay in school; listen to parents/teachers/guardians; don't do drugs; and have FUN! If they get it right (it's an open discussion quiz), they get chewing gum (sugar-free of course). My first year volunteering with AAP was for my son. It's now five years later, and his friends don't remember all of my impressive presentations, but they remember the gum! At least SOMETHING stuck in their memory.

An AAP Crew Interview with "Adopted" Pilot Wendy Mora

Adopt-A-Pilot Registration is open now through Oct. 31. The Adopt-A-Pilot Crew has interviewed a few Pilots for their insight on why you just can't pass up this opportunity to make a difference. Here's what Pilot Wendy Mora had to say...

Q:    What are the Top Three Reasons Southwest Pilots would want to participate in Adopt-A-Pilot?

A:    Fulfilling. Rewarding. Inspiring. If you can touch just one kid's life, it makes the time you have invested worthwhile.

Q:    How did you decide to participate in Adopt-A-Pilot in the first place, and what keeps you keep coming back?

A:    I've known about the Adopt-A-Pilot program for many years, and as a matter of fact, this program was one of the many reasons I always wanted to work for Southwest Airlines. When I was in elementary school, I remember my teachers encouraging me to set goals and teaching me how to reach them. Although I had wanted to be a pilot since I was a little girl, it was because of those teachers I believed I could one day reach those dreams.

Since getting my Private Pilot Certificate, I have always wanted to find a way to encourage kids (the way my teachers did) that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. I think the Adopt-A-Pilot program is a great way to become involved in a very hands-on fashion with kids at an age when they are eager to learn.

I would say this program has been one of the most rewarding programs I have ever had the opportunity to participate in. It's great to watch kids learn and grow as the program progresses. Their excitement and enthusiasm is what makes me keep coming back.

Q:    What's one of your favorite Adopt-A-Pilot memories so far?

A:    One of my favorite memories occured while I was teaching the F.L.I.G.H.T. Values the program encourages. I asked the kids to tell me one person they thought exhibited a F.L.I.G.H.T. Value. A rather outspoken child in the class answered that the socially challenged child in the class exhibited Tenacity because he always tried. What amazing insight for a 10 year-old.

Register Soon for the 2010 Adopt-A-Pilot Program

Starting September 1, you'll be able to register for your opportunity to make a difference through the Adopt-A-Pilot program.

Be sure to jump online as soon as you can, since the registration season will be shorter this year. Why? Based on your feedback, we are expediting the post-registration process so you can receive your program materials earlier this year, giving you and your teacher more more time to conduct your program. Here are dates to look for:

Sep. 1 - Oct. 31 - Pilots and teachers register at www.southwest.com/adoptapilot.

Nov. - AAP Crew processes registrations and prepares all program materials.

Dec. - AAP sends out notification of "adoption" status to Pilots and teachers.

Dec. - Southwest Airlines ships program materials to Pilots and schools.

Jan. - Jun. - AAP 2010 launches! Pilots and teachers to determine the best dates for their individual class program (avoiding testing and major holiday breaks).

Other ways we're making Adopt-A-Pilot even easier to administer this year? Feedback from the 2009 surveys initiated improvements, such as:

- Better website experience that will make navigation and registration simpler.

- New program DVD with up-to-date content, videos, and resources.

- The flexibility to set your own volunteer schedule. In the past, we have emphasized at least four Pilot visits to the school over a period of four weeks. And while that works for most Pilots, we realize it may not for everyone. Just coordinate with your teacher to create a schedule that is right for you and your class.

We wish you all the best, and we look forward to having you join us for Adopt-A-Pilot 2010. Make sure to spread the word to other Pilots about the unforgettable experiences they can have by participating.

If you have any questions, just e-mail us at adoptapilot@wnco.com.

Southwest Airlines Recognizes AAP Pilots for Service

Huge congratulations are in order for three of our "adopted" Pilots:

Gary Hooyman

Tim Neumann

Steve Vaught

They are three of just 26 Southwest Airlines Employees to receive the 2008 Volunteers of LUV Award, a prestigious companywide award that recognizes personal dedication to community service. All winners were nominated by their Coworkers, and our AAP Pilots were nominated by their peers not only for their Adopt-A-Pilot work, but also for the services they provide to several non-profit organizations.

We're so proud of you three, and of all the Pilots who volunteer as part of our Adopt-A-Pilot family.

Pilots, remember to nominate your fellow "adoptees" for next year's awards -- nominations open January 2010 on SWALife!

PILOTS - PLEASE SEND US YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS

We so appreciate the time you've all put into the Adopt-A-Pilot program this last year -- now we'd like to count it!

The Adopt-A-Pilot Crew is in the process of totaling the hours our Pilots have given to the Adopt-A-Pilot program. Why? Adopt-A-Pilot is Southwest's premier community volunteerism program, and surprisingly we've never tallied the number of volunteer hours. Your contribution is important, and we'd like to start gauging the scope of Adopt-A-Pilot's vounteerism year-to-year.

Based on the Pilots who have responded, we are already at over 7,000 hours! It looks like we could top 10,000 - but we need to hear from everyone.

Just e-mail us at adoptapilot@wnco.com and let us know your Flight Log hours. Be sure to include the time you spent in preparing for the program, coordinating with your teacher, mentoring the students in class, corresponding from the road, any field trips, and extra time in or out of the classroom.

Thanks!

Adopt-A-Pilot Surveys Ready for Your Feedback

If you're an Adopt-A-Pilot Pilot or teacher, then hopefully you've already received an e-mail inviting you to participate in the fun and easy online Adopt-A-Pilot Survey. This year-end survey takes just a few minutes for you, and it helps us for years to come.

We rely on your feedback to improve and grow the program, so please jump online to let us know what works, what doesn't, and what wild and wonderful ideas you have for making things better. (Teachers, you may have firewall issues if connecting from school computers -- if so, please connect from library or home computers.)

If you need the link and instructions for the survey again, just send us an e-mail at adoptapilot@wnco.com and put "Need Survey Instructions" in the Subject line.

Thanks again for being a part of a great 2009 Adopt-A-Pilot program. We look forward to your input, and to your participation next year!

Final Entries In, Judging to Begin

The Adopt-A-Pilot Crew wants to thank the hundreds of students who have submitted a design for next year's official Adopt-A-Pilot Tie. As of June 5, all entries for the Adopt-A-Pilot Tie Design Contest will be in, and the judging will begin.

If you're the winner, your design will be incorporated into a professionally designed silk tie worn by hundreds of Pilots across the country! You'll also be honored with an official Southwest Airlines plaque commemorating your design and the resulting tie!

Each year, our Pilots proudly wear the limited edition silk ties that help spread the word about the fun of the Adopt-A-Pilot program. Not only are they a coveted piece of fashion for our adopted Pilots, but they're a great conversation starter, with Passengers nationwide asking about the creative ties and the Adopt-A-Pilot program.

Look for future announcements on the winner - and thanks for helping us celebrate Adopt-A-Pilot's dedication to supporting education and youth leadership!

The 2009 Tie Design Contest Winner Proudly Displays Her Official Plaque.

An AAP Interview with "Adopted" Southwest Airlines Pilots

Pilot Ross has been involved in the Adopt-A-Pilot program for nine years -- he started with his youngest son's class back in 2001 and has been hooked ever since. The Little Rock Pilot has been in such demand that he's been adopted by multiple classes some years -- once working with an entire school full of sixth graders -- 101 students in all! Here, the Adopt-A-Pilot Crew interviews Pilot Lee Ross.

Q:  Why do you volunteer in the Adopt-A-Pilot program?

A:  I started doing the Adopt-A-Pilot program during my second year with Southwest Airlines. The students seemed to like the program and the teacher did, as well. She invited me to come back, and it continued from there. I've now completed nine years with the same class and have had many brothers and sisters come through the classroom. For a couple years, I volunteered in other classrooms, along with the school where my son attended. In every class I have found that the children are very interested in learning about careers, how we move about the country, and how airplanes fly. I have enjoyed sharing what I've learned about the need to continue an education regardless of the occupation that is selected and the excitement I feel when I go to work. Teaching one lesson a week is fun!

Q:  What are funny questions students ask?

A:  I have students ask the normal questions, like "Where is your favorite place to spend the night?" The funniest, at least to the students, is "Have you ever seen an alien spaceship?" This is usually asked at least once per class. I just have to say, "No, but I'll keep looking!"

Q:  What do you most enjoy teaching to your students?

A:  My favorite lesson is how airplanes fly. I usually save this lesson for last -- it's a fun one with lots of student interaction. I've added to the lesson by having the kids fold paper airplanes and seeing which one will fly the farthest -- works well in the auditorium where there is room to fly planes. I also like to talk about their career plans. I usually get blank stares when I first start talking about a career choice, but by the time we complete the homework and talk about their responses during my second visit, they are energized to find out more about what they want to do in the future.

Q:  What's something you've added to the curriculum?

A:  There is a lesson that was in the original Adopt-A-Pilot curriculum that I still use.  It is an art lesson that emphasizes two-dimensional vision with three-dimensional thinking.  I teach this lesson during my third visit to the class.  The lesson uses art to demonstrate the type of thinking that an air traffic controller must use to keep traffic separated.  I show the class how a single-dimension board, like a dry erase board, can be used to draw a picture with depth by using a single-point perspective drawing (the old rail road tracks and power lines that disappear into the horizon).  Then I use the balloon pictures from the old curriculum to show how depth can come from size, shape and height of an object.  I follow this with a discussion and drawing of how an air traffic controller uses a one-dimensional radar screen to form a three-dimensional picture in his mind of where and how airplanes move through his airspace. 

I follow this with a short description of a flight profile from takeoff to landing and how many controllers I talk to on a typical flight.  I emphasize the fact that only the tower controllers can actually see the airplanes that they control.  Then, with the time remaining, I hand out a paper with three jets of different sizes that can be colored, cut out and then glued to a second piece of colored construction paper to form their own art using the concepts of size, height, and shape.  This is a great one-hour lesson that lets the kids be creative and interact in what they have just learned.  Plus, I've been able to introduce another career and show a normal flight profile all in one lesson. AAP Crew Note: For a PDF of the original AAP curriculum, contact us at adoptapilot@wnco.com.

Thanks Pilot Ross for your years of service and your inventive approach. If Pilots or teachers would like to be interviewed by the AAP Crew, drop us an e-mail at adoptapilot@wnco.com, and say "Interview me for the AAP Blog!"

Congratulations to the Adopt-A-Pilot National Contest Winners!

Adopt-A-Pilot is proud to announce the winners of the 2009 Adopt-A-Pilot "LUV Our Earth" National Contest. These schools have gone green in award-winning ways, and they will each receive a $500 scholarship that will go toward classroom supplies and educational materials.

Southwest Airlines would also like to thank our expert panel of judges: Peter, Student Conservation Association; Evan, National Wildlife Refuge Association;  and Sarah, National Geographic Society.

WINNERS

Royalton-Hartland Middle School, Middleport, NY

Teacher: Dave Huntington

Adopted Pilot: Bernard Shanahan

Woodland Intermediate, Gurnee, IL