Northwest Aerospace News October | November Issue No. 11 | Page 28

T he XPrize Foundation was inspired by Peter H. Di- amandis and Byron Lichtenberg (astronaut), who, like Lindbergh, both felt that technological advances have been historically created by prize money or warfare. The XPrize Foundation today includes a rich tapestry of the world’s best in business, leading the next generation of innovators through prize-based competitions to solve the grand challenges facing humanity. The original Ansari XPrize focus was on privately developed space exploration. “It’s entrepreneurs thinking outside of the box … and small groups of visionary people who won’t take ‘no’ for an answer … who are pushing the boundaries and making things happen,” Lindbergh said in 2010 on an Aero-News Network video on YouTube promoting the XPrize Foundation. Fast forward — Lindbergh is also involved in the Lind- bergh Foundation, which is based upon environmental concerns and foundation awards that, “… are presented to select individuals and corporations who strongly balance technology and the environment.” 28 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS Lindbergh in conversation comes off as open, bright, and friendly — refreshing, considering how a person with his lineage could come across as imperial. Instead, in talking with Lindbergh, and researching his many public speaking videos or listening to The Lindberghs podcast with his wife Lyn, it is apparent that he is well-connected, educated, has a diverse engaging life, and a great sense of humor. Most of all, he has good intentions for the environment and future technologies. Also, per the XPrize website, “Erik holds commercial, instru- ment, flight instructor, and glider ratings.”