Over 100 Special Needs Children Given Private Flights

"Fly Days," a one-day event for special needs children and youth sponsored by Challenger Air, a non-profit organization, was held recently at Business Jet Center (BJC) in Dallas, TX.

During the event held November 3rd, 104 special needs children were given flights in both single and multi-engine aircraft provided by volunteer pilots from the Dallas and Fort Worth, TX area. In total, more than 200 Challenge Air volunteers, including 26 pilots, conducted over 100 flights utilizing 24 aircraft staged on the flight line at Business Jet Center.

According to Challenge Air Executive Director April Culver, nearly 1,200 special needs children are flown each year during Fly Day events hosted in 10 different cities throughout the US. Culver said many non-profit agencies are involved in each event and provide various activities including a reptile petting zoo, face painting and arts and crafts projects.

Along with hosting the event, Business Jet Center provided fuel at cost and arranged for the appearance of Brek Shea, one of the star players for FC Dallas of the MLS professional soccer league. Shea is also an artist, and shared his talents in a painting activity with special needs children and their siblings.

(Pictured: The Semens family from McKinney, TX enjoyed a flight provided by Challenge Air at Business Jet Center (DAL). From left are Mike Schilds, volunteer, Gynger Dorsey, Business Jet Center, Cathy Semens with sons Tyler and Ryan (kneeling), Bob Cretney, pilot, Joe Semens, Cat Clay, Business Jet Center and Brek Shea, FC Dallas (kneeling).)

FMI: www.challengeair.org