Greetings!

Harley & I hope you had a wonderful day celebrating the United States of America. 

Ms. Harley is growing up way too fast and keeping us busy in the Challenge Air office.
 
There’s lots going on here in Dallas, Texas. We just celebrated flying over 50 new co-pilots in Spokane. The weather was beautiful (last year smoke from forest fires grounded us) and we were blessed with great volunteers, pilots, agencies and sponsors. Next up will be Kansas City, MO on September 10th. 

Our program committee will be meeting soon to plan our 2023 schedule where we will be celebrating Challenge Air’s 30th Anniversary! 

Our volunteers are also working on another Virtual Reality Fly Day that we hope to post on YouTube in August. Stay tuned for more information.

I hope you are doing well and enjoying this hot summer weather. 

Take care and happy flying!
April Culver, CEO/Executive Director
Watch the Spokane Recap
click the link below
“You haven’t seen a tree until you’ve seen its shadow from the sky.” – Amelia Earhart
Fly Day Updates

We are so sorry to have to cancel the Chattanooga, TN Fly Day scheduled for Saturday, September 17th, 2022.

We will talk to the local committee to see if there is a new date we can reschedule the event for spring of 2023.

Here is a list of upcoming 2022 fly days:

Kansas City, MO- Sept 10
Denver, CO- Oct 1
Atlanta, GA- Oct 15
Tulsa, OK- Oct 22
*Conroe, TX- Nov 12 (*at capacity for kids) volunteers/pilots welcome to register

Please keep an eye on our social media and website for the latest information.
Shareable Moments from Spokane
Pilot Qualification Update

When you sign up to fly at one of our local Fly Days, you will experience something you did not dream possible.

We often call our Challenge Air Pilots the ones who make the “magic happen”. Without YOU, there is no Challenge Air. 

What is expected? After you sign up on our website and provide Challenge Air with all the necessary documents, we will invite you to fly for the day at the designated site you signed up for.

We expect our pilots to fly between 5- 6 missions lasting approximately 30-minutes in flight. 

First: Ensure that you meet the minimum requirements to become a Challenge Air Pilot: 
  • Valid airman’s certificate
  • Flight log showing 350 flight hours total time (minimum)
  • If CFI, flight log showing 250 flight hours total time
  • Flight log showing at least 3 take-offs and landings within the preceding 30 days
  • Current medical certificate
  • Qualified and current to carry passengers in your aircraft
  • Proof of current biennial flight review
  • Proof of Aircraft passengers Liability Insurance ($1M combined liability minimum) for the aircraft used (owned, rented, or borrowed)

Contact, Pilot Coordinator, janine.smith@challengeair.org for specific questions. Click here to find Challenge Air aircraft requirements.
How can I get Challenge Air to Come to My Area?

We are currently planning 2023 fly day events. So, how can you get Challenge Air to come to your area?⁠
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After reviewing our mission and program goals, you can fill out an application detailing why you feel the Challenge Air program is a good fit for your city. ⁠We have included a video below that helps outline more details.
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You can find the application on our website or by clicking the link below.
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Each locales application will be submitted to the Challenge Air programs committee and reviewed. ⁠
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Once you are chosen as a select city, the terms will be formalized in a letter of understanding, which will outline Challenge Air’s expectations for a “Fly Day” and details Challenge Air’s commitment to your programs success. ⁠
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Let us know if you have any specific questions in the process or application. Contact Juliet Siddons at juliet.siddons@challengeair.org
Watch below as Program Director, Juliet Siddons, shares more details about how to host a Fly Day in your city.
Midwest Ability Summit

The Mid-west Ability Summit is a "one-stop" opportunity for persons with disabilities, their caregivers, their families, and/or professionals who serve persons with disabilities to gain information about valuable resources and products.

Join Challenge Air For Kids and Friends on August 20th in Overland Park, KS from 10-4. This summit is absolutely FREE to visitors.

Find out more information here.
North Texas Giving Day 9.22.22

Assistant Executive Director, Bailey Cole spent a fun morning with the Communities Foundations of Texas to kick off the annual North Texas Giving Day scheduled for 9.22.22. ❤️⁠
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"Find your PASSION. Give with PURPOSE".
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We are grateful for the passionate community around us who help lift up and build confidence in children with special needs through their love of flying. ⁠
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To the families, volunteers and pilots who keep showing up at the Fly Day events... thank you! ⁠
Spotlight on Kimber

"We participated in the Challenge Air for Kids & Friends fly day in Spokane yesterday!

This year we actually got to fly since the skies were clear and there were no fires.

This is the first time that Kimber has ever flown and she had a blast! She was so excited when we landed that she wanted a hug to celebrate!"
- Kasondra R
"Riley was an absolutely amazing pilot! Thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors for making this event possible!"
-Tricia M
Let's Be Social
#Givekidswings