Loop For The Troops - Flight Around The Country

Hi, my name is Luke Pylypciw and I am a 17-year-old private pilot based in upstate NY. I am incredibly proud to partner with Hope For The Warriors to present Loop For The Troops. On April 8th, 2022, I will be departing Binghamton, New York, and flying a 1977 Mooney M20J around the country's eastern half. Along my route, I will be stopping to meet with veterans organizations to spread joy, shake the hands of our country's heroes, and shed light on a topic often that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. This flight is so much more than a loop around the country; it also represents the tremendous things you can achieve at a young age. I hope that along with raising money for a good cause, I can inspire our youth to do what they can to make the world a better place. The entire trip will be captured through a series on my YouTube channel. The link is attached to this page, and I encourage you to check it out! Also attached to this page is the link to the Loop For The Troops website. On there, you will be able to learn more about the airplane, myself, and our mission.

WEBSITE: https://www.loopforthetroops.org/ 

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/6DLwjXpMI9w 

 

Fundraising Breakdown:

 

I hope to donate $12,500 of the raised funds to Hope For The Warriors. The remaining $2,500 will be used to cover a percentage of the expenses for the trip, such as advertising, website maintenance, merchandise, etc.

 

About Hope For The Warriors:

 

Hope For The Warriors (HOPE) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator. HOPE provides comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, and military families that are focused on transition, health, wellness, peer engagement, and connections to community resources. When I first got in contact with the team at HOPE, I was treated incredibly well and immediately connected to the staff through our shared values of supporting our nation's heroes. The team was supportive of this project in every aspect and is doing everything in their power to make this journey a success.

 

More About Me:

 

At age 14, I was like every other first-year high school student; I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Then, for my 15th birthday, I was given a discovery flight from a family friend who is a corporate pilot and CFII. After that first flight, I was hooked and quickly fell in love with aviation, officially commencing my flying journey. The following months were a critical period that only intensified my excitement for flying. After a busy year of training, creating a YouTube channel, and becoming involved in the industry through various volunteering opportunities, I successfully soloed for the first time on my 16th birthday. This accomplishment further deepened my passion, and it was at this point I knew I wanted to become a pilot and pursue flying as a career. After another year of training and studying for my FAA exams, I passed my written, oral, and practical exam and became a licensed private pilot as soon as the FAA would allow me: on my 17th birthday. If you haven't already noticed, there is a theme with birthdays and my flying journey!

 

Over the last few months as a private pilot, I have enjoyed taking family and friends flying with me to help them appreciate and understand the world of general aviation. In addition, I continue to create weekly content for my YouTube channel, where I aim to inspire the next generation of professional pilots. This trip is a continuation of my exploration into the industry, and I couldn't be more proud to represent an organization like Hope For The Warriors.

 

As far as what my future holds, I don't plan on slowing down anytime soon. I am currently a junior in high school, and after graduation, I hope to attend the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, to study Aviation Management with flight. I aspire to fly the world's most coveted corporate aircraft and dream of traveling the world. Every day I am grateful to live in a country where the possibility to achieve these dreams is plentiful, and I am honored to represent the United States and its heroes on this trip.

 

Thank you for your continued support. See you in the skies