Challenge Air - Special needs kids get to fly at KAPA

[denverpilot]

First I heard of this was the news tonight.

http://denver.cbslocal.com/2012/10/07/program-allows-special-needs-children-the-chance-to-fly/

The online article has less detail than the video segment did. Sounds like they flew about 100 kids, and the kid's quote in the above link was longer in the segment and he was laughing about "being scared". (Bad change of context going to written form.)

Sounded like a pretty neat event. Had some nice video of various rental aircraft taxiing out.

Their theme was showing kids they can overcome any challenge. Most never thought they'd ever fly in a light aircraft. Neat.

 

[wabower]

The organization has been active in Dallas for a number of years. I have supported them by providing flight reviews for volunteer pilots and staff as well as charitable contributions. FWIW, Cessna Cardinals are great airplanes for loading and unloading kids with physical disabilities.



http://denver.cbslocal.com/2012/10/07/program-allows-special-needs-children-the-chance-to-fly/

The online article has less detail than the video segment did. Sounds like they flew about 100 kids, and the kid's quote in the above link was longer in the segment and he was laughing about "being scared". (Bad change of context going to written form.)

Sounded like a pretty neat event. Had some nice video of various rental aircraft taxiing out.

Their theme was showing kids they can overcome any challenge. Most never thought they'd ever fly in a light aircraft. Neat.[/QUOTE]

 

[murphey]

Nate - you're about the only pilot in the area who didn't get asked to fly this weekend. Big push by Jepp to get the EAA folks who fly Young Eagles. But...and why many (most?) of us didn't - insurance.

When we fly for YE, we're covered by EAA insurance then our personal insurance. Not so with Challenge Air, at least not last year when I looked into it.

 

[denverpilot]

Nate - you're about the only pilot in the area who didn't get asked to fly this weekend. Big push by Jepp to get the EAA folks who fly Young Eagles. But...and why many (most?) of us didn't - insurance.

When we fly for YE, we're covered by EAA insurance then our personal insurance. Not so with Challenge Air, at least not last year when I looked into it.

Ouch. They need to fix that.

 

[Abram]

I have flown a number of Challenge Air events. In my experience, it is a great organization and has been a very meaningful experience.

At FXE, They put together a full day event that involves a lot of different groups within the community. The kids get greeted when they come in, get a briefing about small airplanes and then get to explore the hangar which has a small airplane on static display. When it is their turn to go, the kids are escorted to the planes and when they return they get a certificate and a picture with the pilot. The organization makes it a very memorable and special day for the kids and their parents.

There is potential liability for any of the charitable flights that we do and that is a significant factor in my recent decline in charitable flying. However, we get waivers and carry insurance to help alleviate some of those concerns.

Abram