Greetings!
School's out and summer is here! Time to enjoy a little vacation, some family time AND a free airplane ride (that is, if you are in the Spokane, WA area). Staff & volunteers have been busy planning our next event in Spokane on June 25th! Be on the lookout for the recap video from this exciting second year event.
July & August have no scheduled fly days, but you might soon see some information concerning another Virtual Reality Fly Day this summer! Check the website soon for more details.
I hope you have a good summer and you enjoy some down time without the hustle of school, meetings, games, activities and the daily grind of being on a schedule. Go outside, take a walk, enjoy the ocean, the mountains and just breathe!
Hope to see you at a Fly Day soon!
With much appreciation,
April Culver, CEO/Executive Director
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Watch the Tyler Recap
click the link below
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"Aviation brings people together in profound ways"- Jessica Cox |
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Have You Heard the News?
Two new fly day cities have been added to the 2022 schedule: Atlanta (10/15) and Tulsa (10/22).
We hope to see you at a fly day event soon.
Pilots, families and volunteers can register on the website. Click the link below.
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For just $10.00!!!!
With a donation of just $10, you can sponsor a co-pilot's t-shirt.
We are just over 1 week away from our next fly day event in Spokane WA on Saturday, June 25th, 2022.
Each event is absolutely free to our families and are made possible because of generous sponsors, volunteers, pilots and donors like you.
It's easy - just click the link below!
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Together, we have the power to do great in the lives of these children. |
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Pilots... We Need You!
The Challenge Air Spokane Fly Day is on Saturday, June 25th, 2022. We still have open slots for pilots to join us on this memorable day.
You can register on the website here.
Hosted by Historic Flight Foundation located at Felts Field!
It is going to be a great day!
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You Shop. Amazon Gives.
Through the Amazon Smile Program, you can donate a percentage of your purchase to support Challenge Air for Kids and Friends.
Remember, if you want AmazonSmile to donate to Challenge Air for Kids & Friends, you need to start each shopping session at the URL smile.amazon.com or with AmazonSmile turned ON in the Amazon Shopping app.
Setting up your charity is easy...
1) On the main selection page within your Amazon Shopping app, scroll down to find "settings". Once you've tapped "settings", a drop down selection will appear with "AmazonSmile" as a choice.
2) After you've selected "AmazonSmile", search and select Challenge Air For Kids & Friends to be your designated charity and turn ON "Mobile Apps" for donations to generate.
You're now set up to support Challenge Air For Kids & Friends through AmazonSmile!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The support from your donations truly makes a difference in the lives of kids with special needs.
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Using Your Toys as Tools
Challenge Air is excited to be included in the June issue of Cessna Flyer.
"I know they are simply going on a short airplane ride- something I've done literally thousands of times. But, of course, these rides are special. Some of these children cannot speak. They do not know how to ask questions. Some have physical disabilities But- when they are flying- the smiles on their faces, the way their whole demeanor changes, the squeals of joy that I hear and see. It melts my heart!".
Author and pilot, Troy Whistman and his wife Teresa base their Cessna TR182 at the Mid-Way Regional Airport (KJWY) south of Dallas, Texas. Troy holds a Commercial AMEL/ASEL certificate with Instrument Airplane rating. When not flying, he enjoys using his toy as a tool to help others. He flies for and is on the board of directors for Angel Flight South Central and thinks that flying kids for Challenge Air is some of the most rewarding flying he does. Troy was a recognized as the recipient of National Aeronautic Association's Distinguished Volunteer, 2021 Public Benefit Flying Award.
If you are a pilot or know someone who might be interested in flying for Challenge Air, visit the website or call for more information www.challengeair.org / 214- 351-3353
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Saying Goodbye to a Special Pilot & Friend
We are saddened to announce the passing of Challenge Air pilot, John Wing, from Rowlett, TX on Sunday, June 5th.
Having been given a discovery flight at age 14, John was hooked on flying. He completed his first solo flight on his 16th birthday, and he took great pride on the fact that he could fly an airplane by himself legally before he could drive a car.
John has flown an airplane from coast to coast, both for business and pleasure. He especially had an affinity for the mountains and the American west.
He loved introducing people to the joy of aviation, and so many of those he took flying for the first time caught “the flying bug” and entered the industry themselves.
In 2017, John received the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, signifying fifty years of safe piloting experience. This rare award has been issued to just over 7,000 pilots in U.S. history.
His sense of humor was always present in everything he did, and he had the most infectious belly laugh you’ve ever heard. John was the kind of person who made everyone around him feel special.
John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Please keep the Wing family in your thoughts and prayers.
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Meet the Morgans
It is always great to meet past supporters of Challenge Air for Kids and Friends and current advocates for the Canine Companions Family; Jason Morgan and his mom Patty shown here with Executive Director/CEO, April Culver.
Years ago Challenge Air for Kids and Friends introduced Jason to CCI and the rest is history!
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"Walking around the hangar and watching the kids await their turn to fly is a very rewarding experience. I realize that I can make a small difference in their lives. Their anticipation is similar to what they must feel on Christmas morning. I know they are simply going on a short airplane ride--something I've done literally thousands of times. But, of course, these rides are special."
-Volunteer Pilot
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Meet Co-Pilot James and hear how he built up the confidence to overcame his fear of airplanes. Click the link below. |
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Let's Be Social
#Givekidswings
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