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.
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