Preparation.
Confidence.
The Freedom to Act.
Project Preflight helps college women recognize unsafe situations, communicate clearly, and practice making decisions on their own behalf. Created by former United Airlines Captain Robert Polakoski, it brings aviation’s habits of preparation into everyday life.
Capt. Robert Polakoski
From Personal Safety to Personal Agency
Agency is the right to act on your own behalf. Preparation helps turn that right into practical choices: setting a boundary, speaking up, seeking support, or deciding to leave. The goal is greater independence and confidence in everyday life.
Preparation
Consider your options before you need them.
Practice
Rehearse words, decisions, and ways to seek support.
Agency
Build experience acting on your own behalf.
“Flying gave me more than a career. It showed me that learning, preparation, and judgment could help me influence my own future.”
Capt. Robert Polakoski
Preparation expands options; it cannot guarantee safety. Responsibility for misconduct always belongs to the person who commits it.
Who Project Preflight Is For
Designed for orientation programs, student affairs, residence life, and campus safety initiatives.
A Framework For Safer Choices
Every module adapts established aviation practices for everyday situations.
Why Project Preflight is Different
Capt. Robert Polakoski
- Former United Airlines Captain
- Former US Air Force Instructor Pilot
- Author of the novel “Fool, Anticipation”
- Speaker at national women’s conferences
- Creator of Project Preflight Course for Women’s Safety
For more than three decades, Captain Polakoski trained professional pilots to assess risk, maintain situational awareness, and make sound decisions under pressure. Project Preflight applies the same aviation decision-making framework to the everyday choices college women face — building confidence through preparation rather than fear.
"Preparation expands your options. Agency is your right to act."
For More Information
Why Colleges Choose Project Preflight
- Aviation-inspired decision making framework
- Complements existing orientation programs
- Flexible workshops, keynote presentations, and orientation programs
- Practical, skills-based curriculum
- Focused on awareness, confidence, and preparedness
- Helps students recognize risk before it becomes danger
Designed for your campus community
Students
Practical strategies and tools to help you make smart, confident decisions.
Parents
Resources and guidance to support your student's independence and well-being.
Colleges & Universities
Evidence-informed, scalable programs that complement existing safety and student success initiatives.
Student Affairs & Orientation Leaders
Ready-to-implement content for orientations, workshops, and programs.
Campus Safety Partners
Collaborative solutions that strengthen campus safety efforts.
Trusted by students, parents, educators, and campus organizations.
Bring Project Preflight to Your Campus
A 20–30-minute interactive guest presentation, with longer workshop formats available by arrangement.