Challenge Air builds self-esteem and confidence of children and youth with specials needs, through the experience of flight.

Since 1993, Challenge Air has enriched the lives of children and youth with special needs through its unique aviation programs. Challenge Air’s mission reflects the life-changing impact the flight experience has on children, families, donors, sponsors and communities as a whole.

With a network of nearly 3,500 volunteers nationwide, volunteers serve as pilots, ground crew, fundraisers, planning committee members and in numerous other capacities. As Challenge Air continues to grow and add more programs across the country, its mission will remain true..... To continue to provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to special needs children and youth through the gift of flight.

 

Program Goals:

1) To improve the quality of life for children/youth and families with special needs

2) Arouse children/youth with special needs to be excited about learning and inspired about their future

3) Educate children/youth about the aviation industry and encourage them to consider occupational roles other than the customary ones to which they are generally directed

4) Involve and promote civic and community engagement

5) Create an environment for peer interaction for children/youth with special needs.

6) Promote local organizational resources to families with special needs.

 

How Can I Bring Challenge Air To My Community?

First, please review our mission and program goals to find out if your city is a fit for our qualifications.

Second, if you believe your organization or program satisfies our goals, you should then submit a complete application to be considered. Applications should detail out why you feel the Challenge Air program is a good fit for your city.

In order to be considered for a “Fly Day” program in your city, applications will be reviewed bi-annually on April 1^st (for events to be held during the 1^st and 2^nd quarters of the following year) and October 1^st (for events to be held during the 3^rd and 4^th quarters of the following year). Each locales application will be submitted to the Challenge Air programs committee and reviewed.

Once you are chosen as a select city, the terms will be formalized in a letter of understanding. The letter of understanding will outline Challenge Air’s expectations for a “Fly Day” and details Challenge Air’s commitment to your programs success.

If you have questions concerning your particular qualifications and want to submit a letter of inquiry prior to preparing an application, you may do so. Any letter of inquiry should include a summary of your request and the impact it could have on the people served. After reviewing the letter, Challenge Air staff can assess whether or not your organization should continue the application process based on your qualifications. Preliminary meetings are discouraged.

Thank you in advance for your interest in our program!

Click here to download a Fly Day Application.

Please submit all applications to:
Challenge Air
Attn: Programs Committee
7363 Cedar Springs Road
Dallas, Texas 75235