Aurora Aviation, a charter jet operator, is hosting a “Challenge Air Fly-Day” event on August 7th so that kids with disabilities will have the chance to experience the thrill of flying. The event is the result of a partnership between Aurora Aviation and Challenge Air for Kids and Friends.
Based in Dallas, Texas, Challenge Air for Kids and Friends, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. They offer motivational and inspirational experiences to children and youth living with disabilities and serious illnesses through free aviation-related events. The charity was founded in 1993 by Rick Amber, who lost the use of his legs after his fighter jet crashed in Vietnam.
Challenge Air Fly-Day events have taken place from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles in the past few years, offering kids with disabilities and severe illnesses an experience of a lifetime. In partnership with numerous charter jet operators, Challenge Air for Kids and Friends hopes to inspire young people facing incredible challenges that are all too familiar for Amber. The group’s founder also hopes to foster confidence in these young people by sharing his dream of flying.
Many of the children are able to briefly take control of the charter jet aircraft during their half-hour flight, which gives them an exhilarating taste of what flying a charter jet can feel like. It also builds confidence when young people with disabilities see that they are able to do something so cool.
“Our mission is to inspire and build self-esteem in children with disabilities,” said Leana Gibson, West Coast Director of Challenge Air. “They realize that they can fly an airplane. They can do anything.”
Parents and families say the benefits are obvious, since it lets the children try new things – things they probably never dreamed they could do. It also allows the children to feel “normal” for a little while.
“It helps Sebastian know he’s not the only one,” says Sibelia Chalyahat, mother of one of the children who took part in the event. “There’s other children with problems. It’s not a big deal.”
To find out if Challenge Air has a Fly Day in your area, check the organization’s website.
