May 2026

Greetings!

As we move through an exciting and inspiring spring season at Challenge Air for Kids & Friends, I continue to be reminded of the extraordinary people who make our mission possible. May has already been filled with moments worth celebrating, beginning with the well-deserved recognition of Jerry Hill, who received the Endeavor Award from Angel Flight West on May 1st. Jerry’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving children with special needs through aviation have impacted countless families over the years, and we are incredibly proud to see him honored in this way.

The very next day, we gathered in Chattanooga for another unforgettable Fly Day experience. Watching our VIPs walk toward the aircraft with curiosity and perhaps a little uncertainty, only to return smiling, confident, and full of excitement, never gets old. These moments are the heart of Challenge Air and a powerful reminder of why our mission matters so deeply.

As we look ahead, preparations are underway for our Sonoma County Fly Day on May 30th, where we are eager to once again bring the gift of flight to children and families in the community. Then, on June 13th, we will host our final Fly Day before our summer pause in Spokane, Washington. While our flight schedule slows during the summer months, the work of planning, fundraising, building partnerships, and preparing for a strong fall season continues behind the scenes.



Thank you to our volunteers, pilots, donors, sponsors, and families who continue to believe in the life-changing impact of Challenge Air. Because of your support, children across the country are discovering confidence, courage, and possibility—one flight at a time.

For the Kids,

April Culver

CEO/ Executive Director

Get Ready to Take Flight!

We’re ready to take flight into a brand-new year of unforgettable Fly Days with Challenge Air! ✈️💙

Registration is OPEN, and we can’t wait to welcome families, volunteers, and pilots back for another incredible season. This year brings a new city, new faces, and even more opportunities to help children with special needs experience courage, confidence, and pure joy—right from the cockpit.

Upcoming Fly Days:

• Sonoma County- 5/30
• Spokane 6/13
• Tulsa 9/12
• Kansas City 9/19
• Denver 10/3
• McKinney 10/17

Spots fill quickly—tap below to register now!

Wheels Up in Frederick! A Fly Day to Remember

From Runway to Remarkable ✈️

Chattanooga Fly Day Recap

VIP CoPilot Isla Throws the First Pitch at the Chattanooga Lookouts Game

Challenge Air VIP CoPilot Isla took center field in Chattanooga as she proudly threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Chattanooga Lookouts baseball game! We love celebrating our VIP CoPilots both in the air and on the ground.

Challenge Air Pilot Jerry Hill Honored with the Endeavor Award 

Challenge Air for Kids & Friends is proud to celebrate one of our very best — pilot Jerry Hill — for receiving the Endeavor Award from Angel Flight West in Los Angeles! Challenge Air Executive Director/CEO, April Culver and Board Trustee LC had the privilege of presenting Jerry with this well-deserved honor recognizing the countless lives he has touched through his dedication, generosity, and passion for serving others. Jerry’s impact on our VIP CoPilots, families, and the entire Challenge Air community is truly inspiring. Congratulations, Jerry!

Watch the video below to hear more about Jerry’s incredible impact and this well-deserved recognition from Angel Flight West.

As Chief Pilot for Challenge Air, Jerry recruits pilots, coordinates with ATC personnel to conduct flight briefings, and manages all operations once the aircraft leaves the ramp. Each year, Kansas City hosts 15–20 volunteer pilots who collectively fly as many as 112 flights in a single day, creating unforgettable experiences for children and their families.

To date, Jerry has flown 16 Challenge Air events in Kansas City, 6 in Tulsa, 3 in Chattanooga, 1 in Denver, and 1 in McKinney, Texas — serving a total of 161 families. He has also volunteered on the ground at several additional events, always stepping in wherever needed to help make Fly Days possible. “It is truly an honor to be nominated for this award by LC Catalano and April Culver, Challenge Air’s CEO and Executive Director,” says Jerry.

Every Month = More Smiles in the Sky

Every flight helps build confidence, courage, and joy for children and youth with special needs — and monthly giving helps make those moments possible year-round. By becoming a monthly donor to Challenge Air, you help provide the gift of flight while supporting the programs, planning, and resources needed to create unforgettable Fly Day experiences across the country.



Monthly giving is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to support our mission. Your ongoing generosity helps our VIP co-pilots soar higher, gain confidence, and create lasting memories all year long.

Go Rentals: Driving Our Mission Forward

A BIG thank you to Go Rentals for being a valued long-time partner of Challenge Air. From Denver to Sonoma County to Fort Lauderdale and beyond, your continued generosity in providing rental vehicles helps keep our team moving smoothly from one Fly Day to the next.