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Lindbergh Foundation Offers Alternative to Carbon Offset Programs

Dec. 7, 2007, Minneapolis, MN - Thinking about joining the stampede to carbon offsets?  You may, instead, want to consider the Lindbergh Foundation Aviation Green Investment Fund (AGI-Fund). 


December 7, 2007  By Carey Fredericks

Dec. 7, 2007, Minneapolis, MN – Thinking about joining the stampede to carbon offsets?  You may, instead, want to consider the Lindbergh Foundation Aviation Green Investment Fund (AGI-Fund). 

According to Foundation Chairman John King, “The Aviation Green Investment Fund is an alternative to carbon offset programs for aviation operators who want to demonstrate that they are sensitive to environmental issues and willing to take action. Carbon offsets can be ineffective and at best offer break-even results.” 

For 30 years, the Lindbergh Foundation has supported scientific research and education projects that have touched lives in 26 countries and on every continent.  The Foundation has supported several aviation-related research projects sponsored by such aviation businesses as Lycoming Engines and Jeppesen.  A recent example is Dr. Amy Lang’s project entitled, “Reducing the Drag over Aircraft by Mimicking the Surface Geometry of Bristled Shark Skin Scales,” sponsored by Jeppesen.

The issue of reducing drag over solid surfaces in high velocity flows is one that has kept researchers working for years.  It is estimated that even a 1% reduction in drag can save an airline company $100,000 to $200,000 and at least 25,000 gallons of fuel per year per aircraft.  Worldwide, this 1% reduction could translate to fuel savings of more than $1 billion per year. The resulting reduction in emissions into our air is equally as impressive. With her Lindbergh Grant, Dr. Lang will determine whether the surface texture on the skin of fast-swimming sharks, potentially capable of bristling their scales when in pursuit of prey, could be mimicked and used to reduce the drag on aircraft. Her objective is to deduce the means by which sharks minimize their drag.  Dr. Lang’s project has the potential to reduce aircraft drag by 30%, once the technology is refined and implemented, greatly reducing the nation’s dependency on fossil fuels, reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, and costs.

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“The Aviation Green Investment Fund gives aviation operators the chance to be part of an organization with a long and proven history of success,” said King. 

The suggested donation for participation in the Aviation Green Investment Fund is eight cents for each gallon of fuel used.  This represents an industry-standard amount cited by current carbon offset programs.  An added benefit to the AGI-Fund is that the Lindbergh Foundation’s non-profit 501(c)(3) status makes all contributions to the Fund tax-deductible.  Partners in this program also receive a decal to place on their aircraft offering a way to publicly show that they are wise and responsible members of the world community.  To participate in this program, visit www.lindberghfoundation.org/aviationgreenpartner.htm

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