This was the most AMAZING adventure in my grandson's life! He was able to participate for five consecutive years (unfortunately we relocated). The pilots were AWESOME!! Truly wish there was a location in central Florida so he could continue to participate.
Challenge Air is a wonderful cause. I personally have been volunteering for this cause for several years and it is a very rewarding experience. I promote their volunteer "Fly Days" event in our office and gather as many volunteers as I can to help. Helping children, seeing them happy and enjoying themselves with their families is something I want to continue doing as long as they give me the opportunity.
I rated them TOP because they are amazing in all they do! Thank you!
Eucaris D.
A great group of dedicated people that give their time , talent and money to help kids experience aviation up close and personal.
I first heard of Challenge Air in 2006, when I was looking for a community service event to join. The company I worked for encouraged community involvement & I thought an event for kids with special needs would look good on the annual review.
The first year I was a member of an aircraft load team. We helped the kids with getting in & out of the airplane, then escorted them back to the hangar after the pilot presented them with a set of wings. It was a long, tiring day but seeing the joy on their faces after each flight made it all worth it.
I was impressed with the Challenge Air staff. Everyone was dedicated to making sure each kid had the best day possible. By the end of that first Fly Day I knew that I wouldn't miss another one for love nor money.
I have been a volunteer and Volunteer pilot for www. Challengeair for kids and friends for 16 years. In my lifetime I have participated in, contributed to and been a Board member of several high profile non-profits. CAFK has given me more satisfaction in giving than any other. I see the faces and emotions of our Co-Pilots and their parents immediately and I see confidence they get when their flight has finished and they have taken the controls of an airplane. These kids have just had an experience that 99.9% of the people on earth will never have. As a member of the Board of Directors I make sure that every dollar we spend is to better the organization and give back to the communities we serve
My grandson has participated in the Challenge Air program in Kansas City and Denver. He has autism. He will be flying in Denver again this September. He has a love for planes and flying and Challenge Air gives him the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a pilot and learn how to fly. He looks forward to this every year. This organization creates a great environment for these special needs kids, making them feel so special on their fly day. With balloons, cheerleaders, games, crafts, educational pods, etc., the hanger becomes a lively, happy, fun place for the entire family. Above all, there is no charge to these families. Pilots volunteer to fly their private planes. My husband and I have been very involved in the autism community in the past and we feel Challenge Air is one of the top national programs for our special needs and autism community. We support their efforts 100 per-cent.
Love what Challenge Air does for our beautiful special needs kids. It's a pleasure and honor to be a part of their organization!
E. Bourdeau
I cannot say enough about what Challenge Air has done for our sons. Tommy and Jimmy are now 12, and flew for the first time at age 5. They are autistic and they also have cerebral palsy. They were essentially non-verbal the first time they flew. Following their latest flight in May, they both said when interviewed that they feel if they can fly a plane, they can do anything! And they can!
My favorite things about Challenge Air are the smiles. The kids are smiling, the parents are smiling, the volunteers are smiling, and the pilots are smiling! We all go home with sore cheeks from smiling so much! I especially like cheering on the first-timers as they come back in on the red carpet - SMILING!
We consider Challenge Air as extended family now and appreciate all supporters so much! Thank you for considering becoming a supporter yourself:)