FREDERICK, Md. – The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, (AOPA), with the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (ICAOPA), AOPA France and the Fédération Française Aéronautique (FFA), will send an American pilot between 18 and 24 years old to France this summer to take part in a nationwide air rally.
The event, the Tour Aérien Des Jeunes Pilotes (TAJP), launches in the aviation-rich city of Toulouse on July 19 and follows a course through western France before concluding at historic Le Bourget Airport near Paris Aug. 3. The course features stops in six French cities, and includes point-to-point racing, landing competitions and other events to test pilot skill.
AOPA, ICAOPA, AOPA France and FFA will pay for the selected pilot’s roundtrip airfare to France, airplane rental for the race, fuel, lodging, and basic meals. The American pilot will fly with a flight instructor who speaks French and English.
The Tour Aérien Des Jeunes Pilotes was created to motivate the next generation of pilots, build camaraderie and serve as a public outreach event promoting general aviation.
Tour officials expect about 45 pilots to participate. Each stop in the race will allow participants to meet with the public and share their passion for aviation.
Pilots must be between the ages of 18 and 24 during the TAJP and must have a valid passport at the time of application and throughout the travel dates. Pilots must hold at least a private pilot certificate, have a current flight review and have basic knowledge of the French language.
To apply for selection, pilots should submit a 500-word essay describing their general aviation involvement, flying goals and French language experience to [email protected] with “TAJP application” in the subject line.
Important: Please attach a photo or copy of your pilot certificate and passport (if these items/attachments are missing from the email, your application will not be considered).
The application deadline is Monday, June 2, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The winner must be available to travel between July 16 and Aug. 5. The TAJP air rally will be held July 19 to Aug. 3. The winner will be contacted no later than June 13.
For more information about the rally, visit: TAJP
ABOUT AOPA
Since 1939, AOPA has protected the freedom to fly for thousands of pilots, aircraft owners and aviation enthusiasts. AOPA is the world’s largest aviation member association, with representatives based in Frederick, Md., Washington, D.C., and seven regions across the United States. AOPA provides member services that range from advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels to legal services, flight planning products, safety programs and award-winning media. To learn more, visit www.aopa.org.
