'Changing Lives Through The Challenge And Freedom Of Flight'

By Maxine Scheer

Able Flight returned to AirVenture 2018 to celebrate its eleventh year of providing scholarships that allow people with physical disabilities, including those who are deaf, paraplegics and wounded veterans to become licensed pilots.

On Tuesday, July 24, at EAA Theatre in the Woods, Able Flightís Executive Director Charles Stites announced the six recipients of Able Flightís "Class of 2018". Four of the Able Flight pilots trained at Purdue University and two trained at the Ohio State University (OSU) in specially adapted Light Sport Aircraft (LSAs). Five of the six were able to attend AirVenture, and along with family, friends, flight instructors and dedicated sponsors, proudly received their wings. Stites began with students who training at Purdue.

Kory Puderbaugh of Arizona was the recipient of the Tempest Plus Able Flight Scholarship. Kory was born in Poland without hands or feet, and immediately became an orphan. He was taken in by his "true family" in the U.S. at the age of five. Stites described Kory's personality, "instead of bitterness, Kory has chosen happiness. He is also a silver medalist from the Rio Paralympics. We also discovered Kory likes to share his knowledge and attempted to teach the Examiner a few things on the check ride."

Julia Velasquez of California was the recipient of the Foreflight Scholarship. Julia was born deaf. "Her parents took her to airshows and space shuttle events, and she wants to become first deaf astronaut" noted Stites, "so, Julia is starting out having earned her LSA pilot certificate."

Stites described a story from Julia's initial training at Purdue. "One week into Julia's training, on her second flight, there was an engine out emergency. Julia's CFI, Andrea Hynek, landed safely in field without injury to the aircraft or passengers. The aircraft was returned to service within in a few days. "Each instructor gets a call sign, since Andrea landed in a tomato field, her call sign is 'Mater'."

Asher Kirschbaum of Maryland was first Embraer Scholarship recipient. Asher was born deaf and recently graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology. "Asher is an outstanding student," noted Stites, "and even though a scheduling issue delayed the start of his flight training, he finished first."

Stites introduced the two Able Flight pilots who trained at the Ohio State University (OSU).

Rob Shardy of Ohio is the recipient of the Shell Able Flight Scholarship. Rob was paralyzed in an automobile accident in 2013. He is retraining to become a Real Estate professional and has also become an inventor. "In the last five years, Rob has secured two patents," noted Stites. Rob flew in an adapted Zenith aircraft owned by an early Able Flight pilot. After the ceremony Rob mentioned his Great Uncle, a Naval aviator who flew from the USS Midway. "He's now 82 and couldn't be prouder." Rob learned about Able Flight from an article in New Mobility Magazine.

The final introduction was saved for Staff Sergeant Robert Bartlett who lost left eye and sustained horrific injuries to his face from the explosion of an IED in 2005 while serving in Iraq. Rob has endured 40 surgeries to correct the damages. He volunteers extensively with wounded warrior non-profits. Sgt. Bartlett received the Lockheed Martin Able Flight Scholarship and was pinned by the world-acclaimed aerobatic pilot, Patty Wagstaff.

Stites concluded by acknowledging Able Flight scholarship recipient Emily Hupe of California. An illness interfered with Emily's schedule, but she is anticipated to complete her flight training and secure her pilot certificate in the near future.

In addition to the named scholarships, Able Flight has a long list of dedicated sponsors and many volunteers who provide aircraft services, ground school materials, and other pilot necessities. Stites awarded Purdue's Brian Stirm (pictured) his third annual award for volunteering for aircraft maintenance. Two of the Purdue instructors learned sign language to assist their new flight students.

"Able Flight conducts a lot of outreach with hospitals and uses social media," said Stites, "but most applicants come to us by referrals from Able Flight graduates." Stites estimates receiving about 15-20 strong applicants each year and selects between five and eight. "Sending the letters of rejection is the worst part of my job," said Stites.

Able Flight's mission is to offer people with disabilities a unique way to challenge themselves through flight training, and by doing so, to gain greater self-confidence and self-reliance.

Able Flight was created by pilots who believe that the life-changing experience of learning to fly is best shared, and designed the Able Flight Scholarships to enable people with disabilities to pursue that experience.

(Images provided by the author)

FMI: www.ableflight.com