Inspiring the Next Generation

A young aviator embarks on a mission to inspire underserved communities to embrace STEM careers.

Arturo Weiss

Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 09:26 AM ET

Verified

Crossing the Andes mountains at 25,000 feet pushed Lee and his Piper Seneca to the limit. [Courtesy: Passage Flight]

Key Takeaways:

Lee Giat completed a 60-day "Passage Flight" across the Western Hemisphere, primarily from North to South America, with the dual mission of inspiring underprivileged children and honoring his late pilot father.
The journey focused on motivating children in Latin America and the Caribbean to pursue STEM careers through astronomy events, science experiments, and school supply donations, reflecting his father's legacy of using aviation for good.
Despite facing significant financial challenges and the tragic loss of his father before the project's launch, Giat successfully funded the mission through grassroots support, demonstrating that dreams can be achieved without major corporate backing.

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Lee Giat landed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Saturday, ending a 60-day extended flight tour of the Western Hemisphere, flying from North to South America.

His mission, called “Passage,” was not about getting a name in the record books, but instead providing school books, and other support to inspire underprivileged children to dream big. This trip was also a tribute to his late father.