Challenge Air Shows Some Special Children Only The Sky Is The Limit

Nearly 100 disabled and seriously ill children from the Kansas City area will experience the wonders of aviation at the upcoming Challenge Air Fly Day, hosted by Executive Beechcraft. This inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime introduction to aviation takes place on Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 9am to 4pm at the Kansas City Downtown Airport.

The Challenge Air Fly Day will offer these special children free 30-minute plane rides, flown by a group of twenty disabled and able-bodied pilots who are donating their time and services for this event.

"Of all the groups we work with in the course of running our business, Challenge Air's Fly Day is what we look forward to most," according to Tom Toth, Operations Manager for Downtown Kansas City's Executive Beechcraft. "It's so rewarding to see these kids wide eyed with wonder as they climb into the cockpit of these airplanes and experience the freedom of flight."

The Challenge Air Fly Day focuses on the individual abilities of each child and shows them the many options available to them in aviation.

"Our goal is to focus on possibilities with these kids, not disabilities," said Byron Laszlo, Challenge Air's Executive Director. "We show them what they can do, not what they can't."

The fun-filled day consists of an educational ground school where topics include flight basics, and how physically challenged pilots fly with specially equipped aircraft. The learning continues with a scenic thirty-minute flight with each child in the co-pilot seat soaring over local points of interest.

Fly Day also includes static aircraft on display for the kids to tour, hands-on educational activities related to flight, face painting, clowns, food, music, and much more.

Any child or youth who is physically challenged or has a life-threatening illness is eligible to participate in this free event. Seating is limited so pre-registration is encouraged. Additionally, volunteers and volunteer pilots may register on-line to participate in this community program.

Established in 1993, Challenge Air for Kids & Friends is headquartered in Dallas, TX and has introduced the world of aviation to over 24,500 physically challenged children in twenty-one states through similar Fly Day programs.

Challenge Air is able to provide these once-in-a-lifetime experiences through foundation support, corporate and individual donations and sponsorships. Donors and sponsors for the 2008 Kansas City Fly Day include Hodes Co., Southwest Airlines, PHCC (Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Contractors), QSC (Quality Service Contractors), and many others.

FMI: www.challengeair.org, www.executivebeechcraft.com