Dear Friends
 
As the President of the Board of Trustees of Challenge Air, I apologize for cancelling or delaying a few of our flydays because of the virus. We had to do it to protect our kids, the pilots, the volunteers, and our staff. The virus is still something we have to consider when we make our schedules for events and benefits. It is a new process that we are working with. As we factor the protection protocols against the virus, we get better over time. The problems caused by the virus are a huge inconvenience but something that continues to require our respect for its dangers. I can promise you that we will by flying with the kids again. The problem is, I just don’t know when that will be. But, rest assured, as soon as we determine that its safe to fly, we will let you know.
 
Thank you for your patience.
 
Griffin W. Collie
President, Board of Trustees
Challenge Air for Kids and Friends, Inc.
Support Our Co-Pilots
Join Challenge Air in lifting up children with special needs to new heights.

Families, if you missed an opportunity to get a T-shirt this year for your child, now is your chance. As an added bonus, a portion of your purchase helps support the Challenge Air mission.

Volunteers and pilots show your support too. These T-shirts are available in both youth and adult sizes.

You can make a purchase through our partner's site here .
You can now support Challenge Air for Kids & Friends in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
  1. Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
  2. Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
  3. Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process

If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, update your app. Click  here  for instructions.
Masks for a Cause
Jeff has been a long time board member of Challenge Air for Kids and Friends. His wife Susan has been making masks for various friends and family in exchange for a donation to our organization. Through her efforts alone, she has been able to raise over $1,500! Thank you, Susan, for all your hard work in helping to keep those around you safe and for the extra dollars going towards the Challenge Air mission of building confidence and self-esteem in children with special needs.
I am looking up because that is where I want to be!
Meet Janine Jaraczewski,
Pilot Coordinator

As the Pilot Coordinator for Challenge Air for the past 2 years, Janine gets to work directly with all the amazing pilots that have flown with the organization. 
She makes sure all the necessary I's are dotted and T's are crossed when it comes to updated records, licenses, and insurance. Janine also works closely with local general aviation pilot groups, pilot associations, and F.B.O.’s to recruit new pilots. 
 
She started working in the aviation industry in 1986 at an FBO at Dallas Love Field. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, you could say she is passionate about aviation. 

The best part of her job "is working with the most generous pilots you will ever meet!"

When she is not working you will find Janine somewhere on a beach with her feet in the sand!   
Pilot Spotlight: Jeanné Willerth
"Both my parents were pilots. My mom was an instructor and taught me to fly when I was young. My dad was a Shriner and growing up I remember him always flying children to Shrine Hospitals. In the ’90s, I started flying some of those trips with my dad. He would fly down from Omaha and pick me up. We would take kids to St Louis, Chicago, or Galveston to see their doctors.

Angel Flight began doing Shrine flights when their pilots weren’t able so we started volunteering for them.

Through Angel Flight, I met Jerry Hill. He invited me to fly for Challenge Air in Kansas City about 10 years ago. I [always] encourage my students and fellow pilots to volunteer."
Jeanne flies a Cessna 182 that she owns with a partner and fellow Challenge Air volunteer.

Jeanne's favorite place to fly is anywhere she can fly herself! This year due to the pandemic, she will miss flying in the all-women’s Air Race Classic and flying into Oshkosh for the airshow.

Thank you for sharing your story with us Jeanné. We are so grateful for your friendship and time with Challenge Air over these past years.