Able Flight
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February 19, 2011
I've been involved with Able Flight since the very early days. I have met the most amazing people and seen first-hand how Able Flight scholars have been transformed by the freedom of flight. It has been truly rewarding to get to know all the wonderful people involved in this organization at every level. If I ever win the lottery, I am going to make sure Able Flight gets the lion's share of the winnings. Until then, I want to continue to be involved and help get the word out about this GREAT non-profit.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My own home! I really get to see how hard my husband works to make a difference in the lives of others.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Get everyone I know involved and get the word out to more people who would be great candidates for scholarships.
March 5, 2009
Able Flight is a wonderful organization. It helps remove barriers for people with disabilities to learn to fly and changes lives in the process. As a flight instructor for the program, I learned as much or more from my students as my students did from me. Teaching someone with a disability how to fly was something I'd never done before but I was encouraged and inspired by my students' can-do attitudes. It was a challenging and educational experience. The challenges made it all the more rewarding when we overcame obstacles and achieved success. I was happy to be able to share my passion for aviation with someone who had dreamed about becoming a pilot. I formed lasting friendships through this organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
watching someone I taught to fly go on to purchase his own airplane, continue to develop as a pilot, and help others with disabilities learn to fly.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
sharing my passion for aviation with new friends and succeeding in achieving a major goal.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
willing to think outside the box, optimistic, encouraging, creative, and helpful.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2007
November 22, 2008
My family has been involved in Able Flight since its inception. It is a wonderful way for us to give back to the aviation community and make a difference in the lives of people who might otherwise not get a chance to enjoy the freedom of flight. Our company imports and sells aircraft with adaptive hand controls that allow people to pilot the aircraft without the use of their legs. We donate as much aircraft time and support as we can afford and it has enriched our lives tremendously. We’ve made new friends all across the country. And since any body involved in Able Flight (donor, sponsor, student, or volunteer) has demonstrated a love of aviation and the belief that it can change lives, they automatically qualify as an honorary Hansen and are considered part of our extended family. As a flight instructor, I teach regulations, basic aerodynamics, weather and aeronautical decision making. Flight instructors also try to instill a sense of confidence and self reliance that is unique to aviators. That is at the heart of what Able Flight is all about. They believe becoming an aviator can breed confidence and inspire people with disabilities to do whatever they can dream. I’ve been a professional aviator for 22 years. I’ve instructed in the military and general aviation and can say that the volunteer flight and ground instructor hours I’ve performed for Able Flight have been the most rewarding of my career. There is nothing more satisfying than turning loose a solo student who once thought piloting an airplane was out of their reach because of a disability. Working with Able Flight can present some unique challenges to flight instructors, but that means rewards are even greater. The sense of pride from working with the Wounded Warriors and the "Return to flight" students is hard to put into words. Any aviator can imagine the wonderful feeling you get when you help a fellow aviator or veteran who’s been dealt a tough hand, get to be pilot in command. There is nothing better than seeing the joy, confidence, and sense of accomplishment light up the face of an Able Flight student. Another great aspect of Able Flight is how they encourage their new aviators to give back. When you see Sean O’Donnell start his own flight school, Jessica Scharle tutor new students or watch Brad Jones barnstorm a 1000 miles to meet and inspire others in wheelchairs, you realize Able Flight touches many more people than just their scholarship recipients. In summary, you won’t find a more dedicated, hard working, and inspiring group of people than those at Able Flight. And if you’re lucky enough to be one of the flight instructors, it’s a whole lot of fun!! Mitch Hansen Hansen Air Group Volunteer Flight Instructor
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
action. I've seen first hand how this program has restored the confidence of people who've suffered a life changing injury
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
try to play up the advantages of becoming a volunteer instructor.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting the people in the program and drawing inspiration from their hard work.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
oustanding individuals and a joy to work with.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
start it's own flight school.
Ways to make it better...
we had more instructors and aircraft available for some of the limited time available students.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the lack of small donations available due to the economy.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Charles Stites and the rest of the board are doing an excellent job.
Should this review be counted for a specific campaign?
Hansen Air Group
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
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