My Nonprofit Reviews

I have had a dream of flight and of working in the aviation industry since I was a child. Right after I started my flight instruction, I lost my arm in an accident in the Navy. I thought my dream had been forever removed from possibility. Able Flight showed me that my life wasn't over and that my dream was still possible. They gave me the training and confidence to start a new life for myself after the old one had been destroyed. I now have my Sport Pilot certificate and am currently enrolled in an FAA Flight Dispatcher program at Universal Weather and Aviation.

Able Flight has forever changed my life for the better. Charles Stites is AMAZING at what he does and I will always be grateful that he took a chance on me. He nurtured my aviation passion and ensured that I had everything I needed to succeed. It was tough and it was hard, but it was also fun and rewarding and confidence building and worth every minute! If I can fly a plane with only 1 arm, there's nothing I can't do.

A word about the sponsors: MARVELOUS! I met so many wonderful people that support this program. Matt at Bombardier was such a joy to meet; he felt like a long lost friend that had my back and would always be there for me. Chris and the gand from Sennheiser were the same, even to the point of inviting me to share their rental house during the rain at Oshkosh when I was afraid that my tent had flooded. The staff and students and Purdue University were so good to me during my time there that I didn't want to leave. John and Bernie are so very supportive of my aviation dream and we are keeping in touch as my current training progresses.

My time was such a flurry of activity that I'm having trouble remembering everyone I met. The folks at AOPA, Aero Shell, Foreflight, and Landmark Aviation were incredible. Very supportive and personable. Jet Aviation, Embraer, Signature Flight Support, AVweb, and King Schools were also very generous and are part of something of which they should be very proud.

I am sold on Able Flight and believe in it 100%. When I finish my current training and take my place among other aviation professionals, I will begin the task of paying back and paying forward the gift with which I have been blessed. I hope to soon return to Able Flight as a ground (or even flight) instructor and return the financial blessing I have received so that others will be able to experience this, too.

If you have a disability and don't think you can do this, THINK AGAIN! I was constantly amazed at what I was able to do and you will be, too. APPLY! It will rock your world.

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