February 2026


Greetings!


As we launch a new season of inspiration, our hearts are full after kicking off 2026 with an incredible Fly Day in Ft. Lauderdale on January 31st. Thanks to the dedication of our pilots, volunteers, donors, and the generous aviation community, 82 children with special needs experienced the joy and confidence that comes from taking flight. What an amazing way to begin the year!


We’re also excited to continue expanding our Virtual Fly Day program — first created in 2020 when the pandemic grounded our aircraft but not our mission — allowing us to reach children who may not yet be able to attend an in-person event. Be sure to see below for information on how to register for a virtual headset. With a full spring and summer schedule ahead, we are deeply grateful for the community that makes this life-changing work possible and can’t wait to soar even higher together.




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 officially 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:

  • Dallas — 3/21 (closed to participants)
  • Frederick, MD — 4/11
  • Chattanooga — 5/2
  • Spokane- 6/13


Spots fill quickly—tap below to register now!


Watch the Fort Lauderdale Recap Video

At-Home Virtual Fly Day is back!

Stuck inside this winter? If Challenge Air isn’t coming to your city this spring, this is for YOU!


Our Virtual 360° Fly Day lets co-pilots experience the joy of flight right from home using the Youtube app—no travel required.


When flights were grounded during COVID, this at-home VR experience turned a pause into possibility, and now it’s back!


Each registered co-pilot receives:

  • Virtual Reality headset
  • Official Challenge Air wings
  • Commemorative certificate—all at no cost (donations welcome to help with shipping).



Important dates:

✨Register by: February 19

✨Headsets ship: February 23

✨Only 100 headsets available


Already have a headset from a past event? Please share this with a friend who’d love to soar. Let’s help more co-pilots take flight—right from home.


Honoring a Legacy of Leadership and Service 

Terry Robinson (Shown on right)

Today we recognize a truly remarkable leader and friend — a dedicated member of the Ft. Lauderdale Rotary Club — who has faithfully served as Chair of our Ft. Lauderdale Fly Day for more than 15 years.


Under his leadership, the Ft. Lauderdale Fly Day has grown into one of our most impactful community events, providing the gift of flight to more than 1,000 children with special needs throughout Broward County. That number represents far more than flights — it represents confidence built, fears overcome, families encouraged, and dreams ignited.


Year after year, he worked tirelessly behind the scenes — planning, coordinating pilots and volunteers, securing sponsors, troubleshooting challenges, and always asking the same question: How can we make this year even better than the last? Few people see the countless hours, the late-night emails, the detailed logistics, and the steady leadership required to make an event of this magnitude feel seamless and joyful. But we have all benefited from his commitment to excellence.


And alongside him every step of the way has been Patty — his partner not only in life but in service. Together, they have been an extraordinary team, welcoming families, supporting volunteers, and creating an atmosphere of warmth and care that defines the spirit of Ft. Lauderdale Fly Day.


While we are sad to see him step away from the role as they begin this new chapter in North Carolina, we are deeply grateful that his heart remains here — and that he promises to return to lend a hand. That says everything about his character.

His leadership has left a lasting imprint on our organization and on this community.


Because of him, more than 1,000 children now know what it feels like to soar.

He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to lift us higher.


With heartfelt gratitude — thank you for 15+ years of vision, dedication, and service.

2nd Annual Denver Silent Auction- March 14th

Thank you so much for supporting the Challenge Air mission.
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