My Nonprofit Reviews

Able Flight is a wonderful, unique organization that helps empower people with disabilities by giving them the opportunity to learn to pilot an aircraft. Ever since I can remember I have wanted to learn to fly. However, my condition, which limits my joint movement and muscular strength, made everyday activities a struggle in turn making the idea of becoming a pilot seem like climbing Mount Everest. Despite the fact, I still tried to take flight lessons while in college. Although I was confronted with many physical challenges my instructor and I were determined not to give up. When my instructor found out about the scholarship, he encouraged me to apply and a couple months later I found myself in Atlanta, GA living my dream! :) Charles Stites, the Executive Director of Able Flight, even paid for me to stay in a nice extended stay hotel and took the time to make sure that I had everything I needed while I trained. I also have to brag on the volunteers for Able Flight. They are the most AWESOMENEST (not sure that's a word . . . oh well*lol*) people you will ever meet. The instructors really took the time and energy to help me learn to adjust to the aircraft. Because I am so small (4’ 8”) it took almost a foot and a half wide booster seat, two 15lbs sand bags, and a piece of rope around the seat belt straps to make me legal. It’s a sight, but it works. :) Also they took the time to make sure I had the skills needed to operate the aircraft safely and not just marginally. Although it took me a little longer than the average student to get my license they didn’t lose faith in me or kick me out after I had exceeded the “national average” number of hours needed. As a result, on May 25th, 2008, I became the first woman under the Able Flight organization to receive my sport pilot license :) Since receiving my certificate, I feel like I have finally conquered that illusive “Mount Everest”. Not only has this experience boosted my confidence and allowed me to fulfill my dream of flight; but also my story has had an effect on many people that I have met recently, either by inspiring them to take on a challenge they’ve been dreaming about or redefining their idea of what it means to have a disability. Thanks Able Flight!!

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