Building Confidence in Children and Youth with Special Needs

Greetings! During this season of giving thanks, I would like to thank each of you for helping make the dreams of Rick Amber, our founder, come true. Almost 30 years ago, Rick founded Challenge Air in the hopes of helping 1 million children with special needs believe in themselves by offering them the opportunity to fly an airplane. Challenge Air has flown close to 50,000 kids with special needs to date and we will continue to organize safe events and put kids in the air! In 2022, Challenge flew over 500 kids with special needs and their families at 9 different locations. In addition to hosting fly days, Challenge Air also had almost 200 co-pilots participate in our Virtual Fly Day over the Palo Dura Canyon in Texas. The staff is busy planning our 2023 calendar of events. Our hope is to fly in 10 returning cities and 2 new locations in 2023, and more cities than ever are asking about our events. Check out the website for cities near you! Again, thank you for helping us to land in 2022 well, and to take off in 2023! With much appreciation, April Culver CEO/ Executive Director

Watch the recap from the Atlanta & Tulsa Fly Days!

2023 Fly Day Schedule We are working with local committees to finalize the 2023 Fly Day calendar. Stay tuned for future dates and cities. We are always in need of pilots to help get these events off the ground. If you are interested in flying at a future fly day event, please reach out for more information. Contact Janine at 214-351-3353 or email her at Janine.smith@challengeair.org Click here for updated pilot requirements.

Building Confidence Beyond the Flight! From Co-Pilot to Lead Loader. Meet Dustin! Dustin first flew as a Co-Pilot in 2017 in Atlanta. This year he volunteered as a 'Lead Loader' making sure our Co-Pilots got into the planes safely. His favorite part about a Challenge Air Fly Day... [He] loves helping the kids!"  Thank you Dustin! We are forever grateful for you.

Together We Give. Save the Date 11.29.22 The world's biggest celebration of generosity is coming up on Giving Tuesday, November 29th, 2022. Your support will help increase the impact Challenge Air has on the lives of over 1,000 next year. Please join us in lifting up children and youth with special needs to new heights.

"Wow, Challenge Air for Kids and Friends, thank you for doing this!! My heart is happy." - James G

VIP Co-Pilots in the News! Challenge Air CO-PILOTS were so excited to make the news at the Tulsa Fly Day in October. These are pictures from their interviews. Check out the full interview here. VIP Co-Pilot Donald (1st time on an airplane) with his mom and Pilot Mark AND VIP Co-Pilot (never on a plane) were interviewed with his brother, mom and dad. Thank you Tulsa FOX23 News, Jennah James, for allowing our VIP’s to share their Challenge Air for Kids & Friends Co-Pilot experience … they loved it!

Spotlight on Jerry Hill! Jerry flew a Piper Arrow in from Kansas City to Tulsa because he loves Challenge Air for Kids and Friends. He flies during our Kansas City fly day as well. Thank you Jerry for all that you do.

Aviator Showcase Join Challenge Air For Kids and Friends at the upcoming Aviator Showcase in Fort Worth, TX on November 17th and 18th. Grab a T-shirt, check out the virtual reality fly experience, sign up for several giveaways. If you are curious or have questions about the Challenge Air Fly Day events, here is your chance to speak to the staff directly and watch recaps from our previous events. Tickets can be purchased here.

Co-Pilot Shelby Takes Flight in Tulsa "Thank you so much for the amazing group of volunteers for hosting the Tulsa Challenge Air for Kids and Friends event Saturday. I am so deeply moved by the idea behind the organization showing kids they can do so much more than they think given the opportunity! Jorge was my pilot and he rocked"- Co-Pilot Shelby

By eliminating the belief that they are limited, children can grow to their full potential.

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