Since 1993, Challenge Air for Kids & Friends, Inc. (Challenge Air) has enriched the lives of children and youth with special needs through its unique aviation programs.
This community-driven program is called “Fly Days.” Children with special needs, ground crew volunteers and volunteer pilots come together to provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for special needs children/youth and their families the gift of flight. This gift took flight at McKinney National Airport on May 10. The event at McKinney National Airport was hosted by the McKinney Air Center and organized by a group of 12 local volunteers and Challenge Air staff and trustees.
“It was wonderful to be a part of such an amazing event,” said Mark Jaraczewski, general manager of McKinney Air Center. “It was truly inspiring to see the smiles flight brought to the kids and families involved.”
“I’ve had the privilege of being a volunteer pilot since 2005,” said Steve McCarter, former board trustee member for Challenge Air and current board member for McKinney Airport Development Corporation (MADC). “It is truly an outstanding organization that provides a unique opportunity.”
“My husband, daughter, and special-needs son attended the event at McKinney National Airport,” said Mrs. Hughes, mother of child who participated in Fly Days. “They were pleasantly surprised by the size, scope and organization of the event. They didn't expect balloons, activities and food, but enjoyed them all. Of course the flight was the highlight of the day. My autistic son, Lain, enjoyed flying and according to my husband, made his ‘sad sound’ when the flight ended. The pilot let my 12-year-old daughter ride ‘shotgun’ and he let her take the wheel and fly the plane for a few minutes! All three enjoyed the flight and talked about seeing the world from above. They had a wonderful experience.”
The event had more than 150 volunteers help throughout the day. The event couldn’t have been successful without the 24 volunteers and 22 planes that helped 123 children experience the gift of flight.
“At Challenge Air we believe that special needs children must be provided with opportunities to expand their individual perspectives and renew their faith in themselves,” said April Culver, executive director for Challenge Air. “Parents have told us time-and-again that the knowledge their children obtain after a day with us often manifests itself into a passion to learn more and pushes them further than they ever have before.”
A network of nearly 3,500 volunteers nationwide enables Challenge Air to serve children/youth with special needs. Volunteers serve as pilots, ground crew, fundraisers, planning committee members and in numerous other capacities. To learn more about Challenge Air visit the organization’s website at www.challengeair.com.