I’m Possible
A native of Japan, Shinji suffered an eye injury from a car accident as a teenager. Doctors gave him a 50/50 chance of survival after the accident. He survived but lost vision in his right eye. Subsequently, Maeda learned that regulations in Japan prevented him from pursuing his lifelong goal of flight training in his home country.
The idea for his “mission possible” mantra began with support from Maeda’s father, who encouraged him to emigrate to the United States and pursue an aviation science degree. He earned a private pilot license and ultimately became a certificated flight instructor.
On June 11, 2021, Shinji touched down at Washington’s Harvey Field, completing an 18-country, 22,000-nm earthrounder mission flight during COVID19. Shinji’s inspiration has gone far beyond his own flight. In 2015, he founded the nonprofit Aero Zypangu Project, to provide opportunities and experiences through aviation activities that inspire hope, strength, and joy in people with disabilities, youngsters and their families, encouraging young people to challenge themselves, overcome obstacles and seize the skies. The program allows youth to explore aviation as a valuable skill, recognizing that flying is a good skill for those considering science, technology, engineering, or math careers.